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Is Medi-Cal the Same as Medicaid in California?

Posted: April 19, 2023

Kaiser Medi-Cal vs. Medicaid and Medicare

If you are a California resident needing health care coverage, it can be challenging to untangle terms like Medi-Cal, Medicaid and Medicare. This guide will help you understand Kaiser Medi-Cal as a solution to cover your medical needs, how it relates to Medicaid and Medicare and how you can apply for coverage.

What’s the Difference Between Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Medi-Cal is the same as Medicaid in California. It is a federal and state-supported form of insurance that pays for various medical services for California residents with limited income and resources. While Medicaid is the larger nationwide program, Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid. Each state sets its own eligibility criteria and benefits, so it is important to consult sources specific to Medi-Cal for accurate information about Medicaid in California.

What Is Kaiser Medi-Cal?

Kaiser Permanente is the oldest and largest Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the United States. Its largest membership is in California. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, you can choose Kaiser’s Medi-Cal plan as your health care solution. Kaiser gives you access to a wide network of doctors, specialists and other quality medical services for free. Kaiser Permanente’s Medi-Cal care plan benefits include:

  • Doctor’s visits
  • Medication
  • Child checkups
  • Mental health and addiction care
  • Vision care
  • Hospital inpatient care
  • Emergency care

Kaiser Medi-Cal Versus Medicaid

Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal is a Medicaid option rather than an alternative to Medicaid. Medicaid is a nationwide joint program in which the federal and state governments partner to fund health care for low-income individuals and families. Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid, and Kaiser Permanente is one of the top health care carriers offering coverage to California residents through Medi-Cal.

Kaiser Medi-Cal Versus Medicare

Kaiser Medi-Cal and Medicaid differ from Medicare in three main ways:

  • Administration: While Medi-Cal is a joint program that the federal and state governments fund together, Medicare is a federal program.
  • Beneficiaries: Medi-Cal provides for low-income people, while Medicare focuses on supporting people over 65 and those with certain disabilities or conditions.
  • Benefits: Medicare provides partial coverage, with beneficiaries contributing through premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Medi-Cal pays for most covered medical costs in full, and its benefits extend beyond those of Medicare to cover expenses like nursing home care.

Am I Eligible for Medi-Cal?

You might be eligible for Medi-Cal’s free or low-cost health insurance coverage based on your income, age or family size. You can use this online Medi-Cal eligibility calculator to determine your eligibility. The basic requirements include:

  • Residing in California.
  • Having low income relative to the number of people in your household.
  • Being either pregnant, a parent of a minor, blind or over 65, or having a disability or family member with a disability.

Can I Get Kaiser With Medi-Cal?

If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you can use it to get medical coverage through Kaiser Permanente’s Medi-Cal plan.

While Medi-Cal is available throughout California, Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal insurance is available in many but not all counties. You can determine whether Kaiser Medi-Cal is available in your region by visiting its website or calling its support hotline.

How to Enroll in Kaiser With Medi-Cal

Once you have confirmed you are eligible for Medi-Cal and that Kaiser Permanente is available in your area, you can begin enrollment. You can apply for Medi-Cal coverage by mail, in person at your local county services office or online through Health for California Insurance Center. Whichever way you apply, you can get Kaiser health care through Medi-Cal by following three steps.

1. Gather Documents

You will need a few documents to begin your application process, including:

  • Identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license, passport or green card.
  • Proof of residency, like a water or electric bill.
  • Each family member’s Social Security number.
  • Employment details, including your employment status and income data.
  • Federal tax information, including your most recent 1040 tax form and any claimed dependents.
  • Other health insurance details if you have insurance elsewhere.

If you lack any of the listed application items, you may still be able to start your application with your current information. Contact your local Medi-Cal county office if you run into any obstacles during your application because of documentation concerns.

2. Apply and Wait for Approval

Next, complete your Medi-Cal coverage application and wait for approval. The Medi-Cal approval process normally takes 45 days from submitting your application to receiving your Benefits Identification Card (BIC). Once you are approved, you may select a managed care plan by Kaiser Permanente if it is available in your county and you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • You have or had Kaiser Permanente coverage in the last 12 months.
  • An immediate family member currently has Kaiser Permanente coverage.
  • You are or were a foster child.
  • You are dually eligible with both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

3. Call Kaiser Permanente to Designate Coverage

After you have been approved for Medi-Cal coverage, you will receive your BIC by mail. Then, you can contact Kaiser Permanente to get your Medi-Cal coverage designated to Kaiser.

Apply for Kaiser Medi-Cal Online With Health for California

If you are ready to apply for Kaiser Medi-Cal or another health insurance program, get a quote through Health for California today. Our online application process is fast, easy and accurate, making applying for coverage a seamless experience. You can also contact our helpful team with any questions about the application process.

Start the Medi-Cal application process with Health for California today!