Patient Resources
Medicare vs Medi-Cal, Untangled
Similar names, different programs. Here is who each one serves, how they differ, and the surprisingly good news if you qualify for both.
Written by the Health Service Alliance care team. Updated July 2026.
The one-sentence difference
Medicare is federal coverage earned mostly by age (65 and up) or disability; Medi-Cal is California coverage based on income. One asks how old you are, the other asks what you earn.
What each covers
- Medicare: hospital care (Part A), medical visits (Part B), drug coverage (Part D), with premiums and cost-sharing
- Medi-Cal: comprehensive care with little or no cost, including doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions, and mental health
- Both are accepted at all six of our centers
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Dual eligibility: the good news
Many seniors and people with disabilities qualify for BOTH. When that happens, Medi-Cal can pay Medicare premiums and cover costs Medicare leaves behind, which can mean dramatically lower out-of-pocket costs. If you are on Medicare and money is tight, checking your Medi-Cal eligibility is one of the most valuable calls you can make.
We sort it with you
Bring your red-white-and-blue Medicare card, or your income info, or both, to any center. The team will tell you what you have, what you might be missing, and help you apply for whatever fits.
We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most plans
No insurance, or not sure what you have? You are still welcome, and our team helps you apply for Medi-Cal.
Sliding-fee scale available based on household income.
- Medi-Cal and Medicare welcomeAlong with IEHP and most major plans.
- Free coverage checkWe call you back with a clear answer.
- Sliding-fee scaleCosts adjusted to your income when you are uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Anything else? Call us, day or night.
I am 65 and low-income. Which do I apply for?
Very possibly both. Medicare comes with age; Medi-Cal may come alongside it for your income level, covering costs Medicare does not. Bring your info and we will check both.
Do your centers take Medicare AND Medi-Cal?
Yes, both, at all six centers, including for patients who carry the two together.
What is Medicare Advantage in all this?
A private way to receive your Medicare benefits. Whether original Medicare or an Advantage plan fits better depends on your situation; our team can talk it through, and official counseling is free through California HICAP.
Your family deserves good care, close to home.
Request an appointment or check your coverage. Medi-Cal and most plans accepted, and nobody is turned away for inability to pay.