What you should know
- During the last few years, the process was automatic. But now it will have to be renewed once a year.
- The term depends on the month in which the beneficiary began to receive his state coverage.
- Many community clinics will continue to serve those who lose their coverage, but with limitations.
Thousands of people with Medi-Cal could lose their health coverage if they don’t fill out the renewal applications.
This process was suspended during the pandemic and will now be necessary to continue to have this state health benefit.
During the last few years, the process was automatic. But now it will have to be renewed once a year. The term depends on the month in which the beneficiary began to receive his state coverage.
Following changes to the system, many Californians with Medi-Cal coverage will be switching to Covered California.
The first date is this June 30. People who do not register on time could lose their coverage.
“Potentially, we are looking at anywhere from 3 to 5 million people in the state of California who could lose their Medi-Cal benefits,” said Douglas Morales, a representative for Altamed.
Many community clinics will continue to serve those who lose their coverage, but with limitations.
Unfortunately, a lot of our people are going to end up going for their insulin, their blood pressure medication and being told they’re going to have to pay,” said Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Altamed’s director of medical services.
“Others will go to their doctor and they will not receive care, because they do not have insurance at that time”
What is the process for renewing Medi-Cal like?
Medi-Cal recipients will receive the form in the mail sixty days before the deadline. Documents can be delivered in person, by regular mail, or even filled out online.
The application consists of a 20-page form. Nonprofit organizations and community clinics are helping patients with the process.
“They will be assisted, either by telephone, and if they need assistance in person, they will be told where they will have to go,” Morales said.
As the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, it is important for Medi-Cal recipients to take certain steps to ensure they continue to receive their medical benefits. Telemundo 52 Responde explains what you should do.
One of the organizations is the Altamed health care network. The assistance it offers is for the general public and they do not have to be patients of that system. Click here to find out how to request help through this network of medical services.
To find out the deadline for your Medi-Cal coverage, you can visit the BenefitsCal page, by clicking here. You will need to create an account and update your address to receive the form that will be sent to you when your insurance deadline arrives.
