At the start of the COVID pandemic in March of 2020, Medi-Cal implemented a “no negative action” rule. In other words, for nearly three years, Medi-Cal has had to renew everyone in the Medi-Cal program even if they no longer qualified for Medi-Cal benefits.
All of that is changing next month.
Starting in April of 2023, everyone in Medi-Cal will have to start re-enrolling again. If you don’t re-enroll and you no longer qualify, you will simply be removed from the program, meaning that you will no longer have health insurance!
I’m on Medi-Cal. What Should I Do?
Medi-Cal beneficiaries are going to start receiving packets in the mail from the Department of Social Service, and it is absolutely crucial that you fill out the paperwork and return it. If you do qualify for re-enrollment, then all is well and good.
But if you don’t qualify for re-enrollment—even if you know you won’t qualify—you still need to complete the paperwork and return it. Why, you say? We’re glad you asked.
Why You Still Need to Re-Apply, Even If You Don’t Qualify
After you’ve filled out and returned your re-enrollment paperwork, the DSS will send you an official letter notifying you that you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal. This letter will give you your end date, which is the last day that you will be covered by Medi-Cal health insurance benefits.
Once you know your end date, you will be able to apply for an individual health insurance policy with possible subsidies through Covered California.
On the other hand, if you don’t fill out your paperwork, you’ll simply be dropped and you won’t get a notice about your end date. If that happens, you won’t have health insurance, which means you’ll have to wait until Open Enrollment in November to get enrolled in a Covered CA policy.
That’s seven whole months without health insurance, and a lot could happen between now and then!
Got Questions? We Can Help.
If you’re unsure about your Medi-Cal status, or if you don’t know where to start with your DSS paperwork—or maybe you’re not sure if you want to stick with Medi-Cal—we can help. Simply give us a call or stop by the office, and we’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Whatever you do, don’t go a single day without health insurance. You may need it!
