What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Medicare is a federal program for older and disabled persons. It may pay for up to 100 days for the cost of nursing home care, but only in limited circumstances. It will not pay the ongoing costs of such care. Medi-Cal does not provide health care services by disbursing money to the eligible persons who, in turn, purchase health care. Rather, these individuals obtain medical services from participating hospitals, physicians, pharmacies, and long term care facilities. The providers are reimbursed by Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California’s name for the federal Medicaid program. It is available to qualifying persons who are aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled. Medi-Cal is the only government program that pays the ongoing cost of nursing home care for persons who qualify for its benefits in terms of income and assets. Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal? An individual who is aged, blind or disabled will be eligible for Medi-Cal in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility only if she m
