
Lower or Eliminate Your Medi-Cal Share of Cost
Which Best Describes Your Situation?
- I already know my monthly Share of Cost.
Scroll down for plans on dental, vision and Medi Gap – premiums to lower your share of cost to Zero. - I do not know the correct amount.
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.
#Add Dental, Vision or Medi-Gap Premiums to Reduce the Countable Income Used to Calculate Share of Cost
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: AmFirst Maximum Care 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.
- $426–$600 per month:
- A combination of AmFirst Maximum Care
- and another qualifying dental or vision premium
- $601 or more: The situation should be reviewed individually before applying. Send us the information below
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- 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
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
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
Steve Shorr has specialized in California health insurance since 1975. There is no separate charge for assistance with an insurance application. Compensation is paid by the insurance company when applicable. Steve is an insurance agent, not a county eligibility worker, attorney or tax adviser.
This page provides general educational and insurance information. Medi-Cal eligibility and Share of Cost decisions are made by the county based on the individual facts and current program rules.
References & Citations
- California Medi-Cal rules provide for the deduction of health-insurance premiums in applicable Medically Needy income calculations.
- See California Code of Regulations, Title 22, §50555.2
- See the 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
- Your county eligibility worker makes the final determination for your individual case.
- See California Code of Regulations, Title 22, §50555.2
Resources & Links
- Worksheets for Determining Eligibility Under the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) Medi-Cal Program Disability Rights CA
- CHCF explanation SOC Share of Cost Rev December 2017
- Includes cost calculation worksheets
- Chapter 2 – DETERMINATION OF MEDI-CAL ELIGIBILITY AND SHARE OF COST
- Medically #Needy Program (CANHR Fact Sheet 8.14.2023) (My highlighted version)
- Western Poverty Law *
- CA Health Care Advocates * Read the full article from CHCF *
- AB 715 Fact Sheet *
- CHCF for 3 other examples!
- CHFC explanation of Share of Cost
- Legal Aid of San Mateo is your Share of Cost Calculated Correctly
- CA Code of Regulations Article 10 Income
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Resources & Links




I appreciate your guidance on getting to zero share of cost, very informative! 🌟
Thank you for your help – I’ve spent years trying to figure this out and I’m glad you were able to help me.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for the nice presentation, [Loom explanation of an email] very helpful to see everything onscreen.
Best regards,
Leslie
Hi Steve,
Our zoom meeting this morning was very much appreciated.
I really benefited a lot from our discussion
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Don V