Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Medicare and Medi-Cal (Medicaid)

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

Medicare. Anyone who is age 65 or over and who is covered by Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits is eligible to receive Medicare. Medicare also covers persons who are disabled under certain circumstances. Medicare Part A provides hospital insurance; Medicare Part B, if your are entitled to it, covers 80% of other medical expenses. Medicare is not needs based, that is, your entitlement to Medi-Care benefits does not depend on the value of your assets.

Medi-Cal (Medicaid). Medi-Cal is California's name for the federal Medicaid program. Medi-Cal is the only government program that pays the on-going costs of nursing home care for eligible persons who cannot afford to pay for such care. Medi-Cal recipients are either "categorically eligible" (because they receive SSI or AFDC benefits) or are eligible because they are "medically needy". Medi-Cal is needs based; you often have to spend down in order to qualify.