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Medi-Cal vs charity care: which should you use?
When you can't afford a hospital bill in California, two very different kinds of help can apply — and people often don't realize they can use both. Here's the difference, and the order to apply in.
Medi-Cal: ongoing government health coverage
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program — free or low-cost health insurance for low-income residents. It covers care going forward, and it can be applied retroactively to cover care in the three months before you applied. If you're enrolled in Medi-Cal, you generally shouldn't be billed at all for covered services. Medi-Cal is the broadest help because it's real, ongoing coverage.
Charity care: a hospital's help with a specific bill
Charity care (financial assistance) is a hospital's own program to reduce or erase a particular bill. Under California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act, hospitals must offer free or discounted care to eligible patients, and eligible patients can't be charged more than Medicare or Medi-Cal would pay. Depending on the hospital, patients with income up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify — even if they earn too much for Medi-Cal.
You can use both — apply for Medi-Cal first
These aren't either/or. Apply for Medi-Cal first: if you qualify, it may cover the bill entirely, including retroactively. If Medi-Cal doesn't cover everything — or your income is a little too high for it — apply for the hospital's charity care for whatever is left. Being uninsured or having a bill you can't afford is exactly what both programs are for.
Which is right for you
If your income is low, start with Medi-Cal — it's ongoing coverage and can wipe the bill. If you earn a bit more, or need a specific bill reduced now, charity care under the Fair Pricing Act is the path. Not sure where you land? That's what Cobijo is for: tell us your hospital, income, and household size and we'll screen you for both and write your request letter.
How to choose
- Medi-Cal is ongoing insurance; charity care reduces one hospital's bill.
- Medi-Cal can be retroactive up to three months.
- Charity care can apply even if you earn too much for Medi-Cal (up to 400% FPL).
- You can use both — apply for Medi-Cal first, then charity care for the rest.
- With Medi-Cal, you generally shouldn't be billed for covered services.
Not sure which you qualify for?
Cobijo screens you for Medi-Cal and your hospital's charity care, then writes your letter — free, in your language, nothing saved.
Check if you qualify →Cobijo Health gives you information, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on what you enter and public hospital policies — they are not a decision or a guarantee. Only the hospital can decide if you qualify. Cobijo is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any hospital.
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