What "Dual-Eligible" Means
You're dual-eligible if you qualify for both Medicare (federal) and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid). Roughly 1.6 million Californians are dual-eligible, and many don't realize the full extent of their benefits.
What Medi-Cal Covers When You Have Medicare
Medi-Cal often pays your Medicare Part B premium, plus some or all of the cost-sharing Medicare doesn't cover. It can also extend coverage to services Medicare doesn't, like long-term care and certain dental and vision services.
Special Programs to Know
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) - pays Part A and B premiums and cost-sharing.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) - pays Part B premium only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual) - pays Part B premium with a higher income limit.
We screen for all three during your consultation.
D-Snps: Plans Designed for Dual-Eligibles
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans built specifically for dual-eligibles. They coordinate your Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits in a single plan with often very low or zero copays.
How to Apply
You can apply for Medi-Cal online at CoveredCA.com, in person at your county social services office, or through our office at no charge.