Yes, depending on certain eligibility criteria, in California, independent contractors can qualify for coverage under Medi-Cal. In order to be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage as a self-employed person, there are several eligibility criteria that must be met, such as:
• The individual must be a resident of the state of California
• They must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
• They must be between the ages of 19-64
• They must have an annual income that's below a certain level set by the state
• They must meet any program-specific eligibility criteria
• They must meet federal poverty guidelines
• They must not be eligible for coverage through an employer-sponsored plan
To apply for Medi-Cal coverage, individuals must fill out an application that can be found on the website of the California Department of Health Care Services. After submitting the application, a county eligibility worker will review the application and may schedule an in-person interview to verify eligibility.
Individuals who are approved for Medi-Cal coverage will be enrolled in a Medi-Cal plan and will have access to a network of providers and services that are covered under the plan. It is important to note that Medi-Cal coverage may not include all medical services, but individuals can purchase additional coverage, such as a Medigap plan, which may offer coverage for certain services not covered under Medi-Cal.
For more information on Medi-Cal eligibility and the application process, please visit the website of the California Department of Health Care Services at www.dhcs.ca.gov.