It may feel like the only way to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits is if you barely have any income at all. While that may be true for some cases, you will need to look into the qualifications for your specific situation. In addition, there are a few ways that you can qualify for Medi-Cal benefits that you may not know about.
Qualifications for Medi-Cal Benefits
Read through the ways that you may be eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. It is always best to apply for Medi-Cal instead of assuming that you won’t qualify.
- Your Income Is Below 138% of the Federal Poverty Guideline
If you are single and looking into Medi-Cal benefits, you can look up the current Federal Poverty Guideline and multiply that by 1.38 for California-specific incomes. If you make less than that number, you will qualify for Medi-Cal benefits.
It’s easy to assume that if you are working a fair amount you don’t qualify for low-income assistance. That is not always the case, so be sure that you look into the possibilities.
- Your Family Income Is Below the Federal Poverty Guideline (Pregnant and Single Count As Two People)
Along the same lines, there is a Federal Poverty Guideline for families as well as single people. Take note to understand that an individual who is pregnant counts as two people in the family. For example, if you are pregnant and make less than $39,000 per year, you can receive aid through Medi-Cal.
- If You Already Qualify for Supplemental Security Income
If you have already filled out the paperwork and have been approved for SSI, then you do not have to go through another process of filling out the Medi-Cal paperwork. Show proof of your SSI eligibility, and you will be approved for Medi-Cal as well.
- You Have Low Income and a Disability
If you have low income, low assets, and a disability that keeps you from working, you can qualify for Medi-Cal. How much you pay toward medical bills and supplies each month will go into calculating your benefits. Also, they do not follow the Federal Poverty Guideline of income when you also have a disability. You may be eligible even when you make money above the FPG.
Medi-Cal benefits can be a huge relief to you and your family at different stages in your life. It’s never too late to learn how to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. Shoup Legal is here to help. Call us at (951) 445-4114 or email at [email protected] to discuss your options.