In January of this year there were about 81,000 people who were enrolled in Medi-Cal but couldn’t use it because they did not meet their share of the cost. The majority are over 65 or have a disability, data show.
Carolyn Jackson, 68, has her blood pressure measured at a free medical clinic in Los Angeles on Oct. 31, 2013. Photo by Lucy Nicholson, ReutersPeople with costly medical needs who make more than the income limit to qualify for free Medi-Cal may still access the program by paying a share of cost, but it’s often unaffordable. Advocates are requesting funding in this year’s budget to help those people qualify.
“If you make $1,600 a month, $1,000 has to go toward paying for your care,” said Tiffany Huyenh-Cho, a staff attorney at Justice in Aging, an organization that is urging state lawmakers to update the income rule. Because people using this type of Medi-Cal usually have costly care, for some it’s worth paying, but most can’t afford it, she said., there were about 81,000 people who were enrolled in Medi-Cal but couldn’t use it because they did not meet their share of the cost.
Take Maxine Wells of San Diego — she is 91, and with the help of her son, Keith Wells, she recently applied for Medi-Cal. Her Social Security monthly income of $2,000 puts her over the limit for free coverage. Keith is still waiting to get official word from the state on his mom’s eligibility status, but isn’t sure they’ll be able to meet her share of the cost.
The dollar amount that people get to keep, $600 for an individual and $934 for a couple, hasn’t changed since 1989, when theOlder adults like Wells also qualify for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors and people with disabilities. But Medicare doesn’t cover all her needs or at-home care. Wells, a former beauty shop owner, suffers the aftermath of a heart attack, which left her heart muscle damaged. She has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , dementia and anxiety.
don’t have health insurance. Still, pockets of people continue to struggle to afford the coverage and care they need, meaning they go without it.By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with CalMatters to receive marketing, updates, and other emails.Aging advocates say older adults tend to live on fixed incomes but are sometimes subject to rules that haven’t kept up with the current cost of living.
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