What is Share of Cost, and How can I make it $0?
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What is Share of Cost
When you apply for Medi-Cal and are over the income limit for free Medi-Cal, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal with a share of cost. A share of cost (SOC) is the amount of money you must pay each month towards medical related services, supplies, or equipment before your Medi-Cal insurance pays anything. Think of it like a monthly “deductible.”
You only pay Share of Cost in months where you need services
Share of Cost is NOT a monthly fee. In months where you have fewer expenses than your share of cost, you can pay out of pocket for services you need, and are not obligated to pay the entire share of cost. If you don’t need to see your doctor or get any health care, you do not owe a share of cost during that month.
How can I eliminate my Share of Cost?
The most common way to avoid a share of cost is to purchase supplemental health insurance policies to lower countable income, such as supplemental dental, vision, hearing, or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The monthly cost of these health insurance plans lower your countable income, which may help you qualify for Medi-Cal with no share of cost.
More information about Share of Cost
HICAP has prepared the following document with information about how to eliminate your share of cost. If you believe you are a candidate for this, please read through this information. Then contact HICAP if you need more help.
You may view, print, download our PDF document: Eliminating Medi-Cal Share of Cost.
(Requires Acrobat Reader)
We also have a starter list of dental, vision, and hearing insurers. These services are not endorsed by Contra Costa HICAP but are offered in good faith. It is the responsibility of the consumer to research any and all medical plans before purchase.
If you have difficulty accessing, reading, or interpreting these documents, please CONTACT US.