I have created this income table that has the monthly income numbers for Medi-Cal eligibility next to the 2024 annual income amounts for the Covered California subsidies.The Medi-Cal income columns of the Covered California income table are 138% FPL for adults, 213% FPL for pregnant women, 266% FPL for children 18 years and younger, and 322% FPL for children in certain counties of California.
Medi-Cal To Cover Medicare Part A Premiums
The California Department of Health Care Services will now participate in a Part A Buy-In program with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and cover the premiums for Part A. Medicare beneficiaries eligible to have their Part A premiums covered are:
Medi-Cal Income Eligibility Increases 3% for 2024
A single adult can now have a monthly income of $1,732 per month and retain their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal. The higher monthly income, an increase of $55 over 2023, is based on 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
Review Your Covered California 1095-A For Errors
While some incorrect information may be corrected by calling the Covered California customer service line, other errors can only be fixed by filing a dispute form. The data that can be disputed are coverage start and stop dates, health insurance premiums, monthly subsidy forwarded to the health plan, missing family members, or household members who should not be in the tax family 1095-A.
Blue Shield, Fix Your Billing System
Had you been near this family’s home, it would have sounded like an explosion as the Blue Shield member vented to me about the incompetent billing system of Blue Shield.
New Electric Fireplace Insert in an Old Mid-Century Modern Home
I am very pleased with the electric LED fireplace insert and installation. Even when not in operation, the whitish birch logs reflect the ambient light for a nice distraction. There no longer a black hole in the corner of the room. To view the installation and other reasons why we wanted to replace the old gas log, watch the video below.
Appealing A Covered California Loss of Subsidy Decision
Unfortunately, consumers should not have to go through this byzantine process of becoming private detectives to learn why they were denied enrollment or the subsidies. Covered California should spell out the specific reason either in a letter or on the phone. However, when all else fails you can file an appeal to kick the human process in gear to review your account.
Why You Lost Your Covered California Subsidy
In the second half of 2023 and continuing into 2024, we have seen some cases where the subsidy has mysterious disappeared. The estimated income is high enough for subsidies and nowhere near Medi-Cal range. The household member is enrolled in the selected health plan, but the subsidy has vanished.
Insurance Revenue Increased 4.5% for 2023
Commissions from the various health, dental, and vision plans I represent totaled approximately $87,000 in 2023. Insurance commissions equaled 92 percent of my total revenue. Google and YouTube advertising revenue accounted for 2 percent of income and a few crumbs from book sales.
When Increasing Your Covered California Income Estimate Creates an Ethical Dilemma
The ethical dilemma or conflict occurs because the household has agreed to report increased income streams, which will necessarily translate into higher health care costs. It is normal consumer behavior to minimize costs while maximizing benefits of any goods or services. The decision to report a higher income is clouded by issues such as the income is only an estimate and excess subsidy (Advance Premium Tax Credit) will be captured when the household files their federal income taxes.