Medicaid & Medi-Cal Eligibility

Medicaid is designed to give low-income individuals health insurance. While it is partially funded by the federal government, the states implement Medicaid programs, so each program has different eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is the Medicaid program administered by the state of California.

Populations

Only certain populations qualify for Medi-Cal, including the elderly, blind or disabled, those under 21, pregnant women, those receiving skilled care, certain refugees, some caretakers and those with breast and cervical cancer.

Income

Medi-Cal applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines that vary depending on what population an applicant falls into. The elderly, blind and disabled must qualify for Social Security Insurance to qualify for Medi-Cal and must have less than $1,133 in countable income monthly (through March 31, 2010), or $1,579 for blind individuals. Other populations' income is based on anywhere between 100 percent of the federal poverty limit ($1,128 monthly in 2010) through 250 percent ($2,819 monthly in 2010).

Assets

Some Medi-Cal applicants may not have more than a certain amount in assets, including things like bank accounts and property but excluding the home an applicant lives in. For the elderly, blind and disabled, assets may not exceed $2,000 (or $3,000 if married). Other applicants are not subject to an asset limit.

References

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicaid Overview
• California Department of Health Care Services: Medi-Cal Eligibility
• Kaiser Family Foundation: California: Medicaid/CHIP Eligibility
• Disability Benefits 101: Medi-Cal: The Details
• Coverage for All: 2010 Federal Poverty Level

Resources

• California Department of Health Care Services: Apply for Medi-Cal
• California Department of Health Care Services: Medi-Cal Benefits Frequently Asked Questions