Two programs, two jobs
Medicare is federal health insurance mainly for people 65 or older and certain people with disabilities. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program and is based mainly on income, resources, and other state rules. They are not interchangeable, and having one does not automatically mean you have the other.
When someone has both
People with Medicare and Medi-Cal are often called dual eligible. Depending on the level of Medi-Cal, they may get help with Medicare costs or, in some counties, access to Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). Benefits vary by plan and ZIP code. We do not list or recommend those products here.
Extra Help is separate
Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) may lower prescription costs for people who meet federal limits. Some people are enrolled automatically; others apply through Social Security (SSA.gov). This website cannot tell you that you qualify.
Where to apply and check
Medi-Cal is handled through California’s official programs, not this website. Extra Help is through Social Security. For a complete list of Medicare products in your ZIP, use Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 711), or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.
2026 figures
Medicare Savings Programs screener
QMB, SLMB, and QI monthly income sketches using 2026 federal figures. Apply through Medi-Cal.
Educational answers — not a plan recommendation.
Educational estimate using public 2026 CMS figures. Not a bill, not a determination, and not a plan recommendation. Confirm on Medicare.gov or with Social Security. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This page is general education. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage and Part D products in California. The number of products available to you depends on your ZIP code. For a complete list of options, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.