Eliminate Your Medi-Cal Share of Cost

Which Best Describes Your Situation?

• I already know my monthly Share of Cost and the amount of premium I need to eliminate it and get it to Zero.

  • Scroll down for plans on  dental, vision and Medi Gap – look for the right premium to lower your share of cost to Zero.
• What is Share of Cost and can I really eliminate it with Dental and Health Insurance premiums?  
  • Yes, Read these brochures and watch the video to see how it works:
    • • Center for Health Care Rights SHIP 4/2025
• I do not know the correct Share of cost or premium needed
  • Use our  Medi-Cal Share of Cost Calculator  as a preliminary estimate.
    • Compare the result with your county Notice of Action or the amount supplied by your county worker.
  • Center for Health Care Rights – How to eliminate Share of Cost
• I need more information on what share of cost is, why or if buying insurance is a real legitimate way to lower share of cost.
  • Basically, if you have have too much income for full scope Medi Cal  $1,836/month you will pay a share of cost.  You can buy qualifying Insurance (scroll down) to lower your income to that amount and that will eliminate the share of cost.
  • Read and watch:
    • • Aged & Disabled and Medically Needy Medi-Cal Programs  Canhr 7/20/2026
      • Center for Health Care Rights SHIP 4/2025
• I’m working or can work part time
  • Check out  working disabled program 250%
• I’m a Family Member, IHSS Caregiver,  Elder Law Attorney or Social Worker
  • If the person you care for has a Medi-Cal Share of Cost, that means the person receiving care must pay you that part of the caretakers wages,  before Medi Cal pays the balance.
  • When health, dental, or other insurance premium (scroll down)  is reported to Medi-Cal BenefitsCal.com Medi-Cal  will reduce or eliminate the Share of Cost.
    • After that, instead of having to collect that Share of Cost portion from the person you care for,  Medi Cal will  pay you, your  authorized IHSS wages without the Share of Cost.
    • Thus  reducing a Share of Cost will help both the person receiving care and the person providing it.
      • Medi-Cal Share of Cost Calculator
• View our one page summary for professionals, social workers, attorneys, etc.
• Scroll down for more information, references & citations.

 Select the Monthly Premium Shown by 

your letter from Medi Cal or  the Calculator

y 

How much insurance premium do you need to reduce your Share of Cost to $0?

• $1–$84 per month:
  Get quotes and enroll   dental or vision plan
  .
• $85–$425 per month:  Complete the   
  • AmFirst Maximum Care Application  after checking with Steve.  AmFirst offers premium choices within from $85 to $425
  • Applications are often processed quickly, and proof of coverage can usually be provided within 24 hours after approval.  Then you can easily upload (instructions)  to BenefitsCal.com
  • Just complete the one page  application and email [email protected]  to us.
    • Secure Upload
• $426–$600 per month:
  • A combination of  the AmFirst Maximum Care application
  • and another qualifying  dental or vision premium
• $601 or more:  The situation should be reviewed individually before applying.   Send us the information below
  • Medi-Gap premiums
  • The monthly Share of Cost shown by your county.
  • Your county and ZIP code.
  • Whether you have Medicare Parts A and B and the premium amounts
  • Any premiums you already pay for Medicare Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medi-Gap, dental or vision.
  • Whether the problem concerns future months or previous months.
  • Your Notice of Action from the county
  • Email Steve Your Share of Cost Information
    • Our email is encrypted by PauBox
    • Secure Upload

After Enrollment:

Send Proof to the County

After approved enrollment, the county may request a proof-of-coverage letter, premium invoice, effective date and evidence that the premium was paid. Keep copies of everything submitted and follow up with your county worker.

See the complete  proof and BenefitsCal document-upload instructions
.

Sample Proof of Dental Insurance for BenefitsCal

• See Proof and BenefitsCal Upload Instructions
  
• View the AmFirst Application and Current Premium Choices

Share of Cost Testimonials

• “Medi-Cal reviewed my Mom’s case and eliminated her Share of Cost effective February 1. My family is very grateful that this issue was resolved in a very timely manner.” — Don V.
• “Eliminating her Share of Cost will allow her to stay living at our home longer, so it’s very wonderful.” — Mary
• “You are a wealth of knowledge, and I am so grateful to connect with you.” — Carie C.

• See additional  Share of Cost comments and testimonials.
• See  general client testimonials
  
• See this  Reddit discussion about Share of Cost

References & Citations 

• See California Code of Regulations, Title 22, §50555.2
  
  • Determination of Medi-Cal Eligibility and Share of Cost Cornel Law 
• DHCS Non-MAGI Medi-Cal Guide
• Center for Health Care Rights Plain English How to Eliminated Share of Cost 
• CANHR Fact Sheet on Share of Cost
  • Aged & Disabled and Medically Needy Medi-Cal Programs 
• What happens if you have two or more health or dental policies?  Our webpage 
• Videos 
  • Med-Cal FAQ: What Is Share Of Cost?
    • Can I Eliminate It?
  • How Can I Avoid a Medi-Cal Share of Cost?
  • Changes to Medi-Cal Share of Cost Laws in 2025: Good News!
• Bet Tzedek legal aid 
• Your county eligibility worker makes the final determination for your individual case.