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.
My Medicare Checkup
Answer a few questions about your ZIP code, what matters about cost and doctors, and where you get care. The summary shows the questions those answers raise. Confirm each one with the office, the plan, or Medicare.gov. A listing in a directory, or the name of a plan, does not show whether a doctor is in the network, whether a prescription is covered, or what you would pay this year.
Start My Medicare CheckupYou will get a summary of the questions to verify. You can also talk it through with Alan.
Screener
Medi-Cal screener (65+ / disabled)
California 2026 Aged & Disabled FPL sketch for people with Medicare. Not a determination — apply through the county.
Screener
Medicare Savings Programs screener
California 2026 QMB, SLMB, and QI sketch. Not a determination — apply through Medi-Cal.