CALIFORNIA MEDICARE GUIDE
Medicare and Medi-Cal in California: Questions to Verify Before Changing Coverage
A starting point for Californians who have, or may have, both Medicare and Medi-Cal coverage.
Medicare and Medi-Cal can work together
Medicare is federal coverage. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. A person with both is often called a dual eligible beneficiary or a Medi-Medi. California’s Department of Health Care Services explains that benefits and cost-sharing help can differ depending on the person’s program and eligibility.
This page cannot determine whether you qualify for Medi-Cal, a Medicare Savings Program, or a particular plan. Eligibility and enrollment depend on current facts, county processes, and official program rules.
Do not change either coverage based on a general article
Before changing Medicare or Medi-Cal, gather your current cards, notices, county letters, doctors, prescriptions, and questions. Ask the county or DHCS about eligibility, renewals, and benefits. Use Medicare.gov for federal Medicare information.
Some Medicare and Medi-Cal options are available only in certain situations or counties. A person should not be directed to a particular plan from a general education page.
Choose the right source of help
DHCS and the county can address Medi-Cal eligibility and administration. HICAP offers free, confidential California Medicare counseling. A licensed insurance agent can discuss the products the agency represents and help you prepare questions for a coverage conversation.
If you receive a deadline or a change notice, keep it and ask the sender what action is required. Do not assume that a Medicare change automatically changes Medi-Cal, or that a Medi-Cal notice answers every Medicare question. Take written notices to a counselor or official program contact when you need help understanding them. Keep your own copies too.
Three things to do next
- Gather your Medicare and Medi-Cal cards, notices, prescriptions, and questions.
- Ask the county or DHCS about Medi-Cal eligibility, renewals, and benefits.
- Use HICAP or Medicare.gov for help with Medicare questions before changing coverage.
Check the official sources
- DHCS: full and partial dual eligibility (opens in a new tab)
- DHCS: integrated care for dual eligible beneficiaries (opens in a new tab)
- Medicare: help with costs (opens in a new tab)
- California HICAP counseling (opens in a new tab)
We prepare these explanations from the listed sources. This is general education, not a personalized recommendation. Confirm current rules and individual dates with the appropriate official source. Our editorial approach.