Medicare, Medicaid and Medi-Cal: Intro and Overview

This guide provides assistance in locating legal resources regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and Medi-Cal. 

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended as a substitute for doing your own research. We cannot guarantee that these models will meet your needs because laws and procedures frequently change, and because some skill is needed to adapt the forms to fit your case. To obtain legal advice, or for help in adapting the forms to your situation, consult an attorney.

This Guide will assist in locating legal resources regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and Medi-Cal. It is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. The laws and regulations change frequently, so check that any resources you are using are up to date. Please consult with an attorney if you need legal advice.

Created in the mid-1960s as part of the Social Security system, Medicare and Medicaid are often confused with each other, but there are crucial differences. Medicare is a federally funded health plan providing medical benefits to people 65 years of age and older, as well as individuals who are blind or disabled.

Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California), is a federal program operated at the state level. To qualify for Medi-Cal, a person must meet the income and resource guidelines in his or her state.

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