MEDI-CAL SHARE OF COST HELP · CALIFORNIA
Medi-Cal share of cost too high?
Here’s what you can do.
A share of cost is what you pay toward medical care each month before Medi-Cal pays. It depends on how much income Medi-Cal counts. Eligible dental and vision insurance premiums may lower that number, sometimes to $0.
Dental plans from $85/month · Optional vision
Your county must approve any change. You still pay the insurance premium.
Already insured? Submit your proof →What is share of cost?
Medi-Cal share of cost is a monthly amount of medical expenses you must pay or owe before Medi-Cal starts paying for covered care that month. It applies when your countable income is above the Medi-Cal maintenance need level. It works like a monthly deductible, not a premium.
Read the full share of cost guide →Here’s how people lower it.
- 1
Know your number
Estimate your share of cost and ask the county for its calculation.
- 2
Choose coverage
Compare dental and vision plans. Ask your county which premium could help.
- 3
Update Medi-Cal
Send your proof. Ask the county to review your share of cost.
Popular guides.
Medi-Cal share of cost, explained
What it is, why you have one, and how it is calculated.
7 min readSTART HEREHow to lower your Medi-Cal share of cost
Reduce, stop, or eliminate it: what actually works.
6 min readINSURANCEDental and vision insurance and your share of cost
Which premiums count, and what to ask before you buy.
6 min readFOR CAREGIVERSIHSS share of cost: how it affects caregiver pay
Why part of the provider’s pay may be yours to cover.
4 min readWORKING WITH A DISABILITYThe 250% Working Disabled Program
Full Medi-Cal with no share of cost if you work and have a disability.
5 min readTERMS EXPLAINEDMedi-Cal spend down vs. share of cost
Same program, two names. How the monthly spend down works.
4 min readA few quick answers.
What is Medi-Cal share of cost?
It is the amount of covered or qualifying medical costs you must pay or owe before Medi-Cal pays for covered care that month. It is often called SOC. It is not a monthly insurance premium.
How does share of cost work?
Each month, Medi-Cal subtracts a maintenance need level from your countable income. What is left is your share of cost. Once your medical bills for the month reach that amount, Medi-Cal pays for covered care for the rest of the month.
Can dental insurance lower my share of cost?
An eligible premium may lower the income Medi-Cal counts under some program rules. Ask your county whether a premium deduction could move you into a program with no share of cost. Do this before buying a plan.
Does buying insurance guarantee a $0 share of cost?
No. The county must check your program, household, income, deductions, and other eligibility rules. A new policy alone does not change your case.
Already have your insurance?
Use your coverage letter and premium proof to request a county review. Our upload guide shows what to send and where.