Medicare, Medi-Cal and VA benefits are different systems. A person may use one, two or all three, but each has its own eligibility, enrollment and provider rules. The safest starting point is an official program or an unbiased counselor—not a sales call.
This guide explains the basic differences and points Riverside County seniors, Veterans and families to local and official help. It is general information, not individualized legal, financial or medical advice.
Benefits and plan rules change. Confirm decisions with Medicare, Medi-Cal, the VA or a qualified counselor who can review the person's actual coverage.
Quick answer
- Medicare is federal health insurance, generally for people age 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities or qualifying conditions.
- Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, offering no-cost or low-cost coverage to people who meet current rules.
- A person with both Medicare and Medi-Cal is often called dual eligible; the programs may coordinate, but they do not become one benefit.
- HICAP provides free, confidential and unbiased counseling about Medicare and related coverage. It does not sell insurance.
- Riverside County Veterans' Services helps with benefit claims, while VA clinics and Vet Centers provide different health or counseling services.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health-insurance program. Its major parts are:
- Part A: hospital care, limited skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health;
- Part B: doctors, outpatient services, durable medical equipment, preventive care and some home health;
- Part D: prescription drug coverage; and
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): a private-plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits, usually with a network and plan-specific rules.
Coverage, premiums and out-of-pocket costs depend on the person's enrollment and services. Medicare's official site is the source for current coverage rules.
Where can I get unbiased Medicare help?
Riverside County HICAP—the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program—offers free, confidential counseling. HICAP counselors can help people understand Medicare choices, notices, claims, appeals and related coverage. HICAP does not sell plans.
Call 800-434-0222 to confirm counseling scope and appointment availability. Bring Medicare cards, plan documents and relevant notices, but do not send personal identifiers through an insecure channel.
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. Eligibility can depend on factors including California residency, income, age, disability, household circumstances and the particular coverage pathway.
Riverside County Medi-Cal provides local application information. Applications can be made through BenefitsCal or Covered California, by phone, by mail or through a county office. Riverside County DPSS lists 877-410-8827 for assistance. Applying does not guarantee eligibility, and the county or state makes the determination.
Can someone have Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Yes. California describes people enrolled in both as dual eligible or Medi-Medi members. Medicare generally pays first for Medicare-covered services, while Medi-Cal may help with certain Medicare cost sharing and benefits that Medicare does not cover, depending on eligibility and coverage.
Coordination can be complex. Before changing a Medicare Advantage or prescription plan, talk with HICAP or the appropriate official program. A plan that works with both programs in one county may not work the same way after a move.
Where can Veterans get local help?
Benefit claims and navigation
Riverside County Veterans' Services helps Veterans, eligible dependents and survivors understand and pursue benefits. The county lists 951-955-3060. Benefit eligibility is decided by the responsible federal or state program.
VA health care
Murrieta VA Clinic is part of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Use its official VA page for current services, appointment instructions and contact details; some services require VA health-care enrollment, registration, referral or an appointment.
Readjustment counseling and family support
Temecula Vet Center offers confidential counseling and related help at no cost for eligible Veterans, service members and family members. The VA says Vet Center eligibility does not require enrollment in VA health care or a service-connected disability. Its listed 877-927-8387 number is the 24/7 Vet Center call center.
Vet Centers and VA medical clinics are not interchangeable. Use the clinic for VA health-care services and the Vet Center for its eligible counseling and readjustment services.
A practical order for getting help
- Identify the question: Medicare plan choice, a Medi-Cal application, a VA claim, medical care or counseling.
- Use the matching official resource rather than sharing personal information with an unrelated caller.
- Gather notices, cards and dates before the appointment.
- Ask whether the help is free and whether the counselor represents or sells an insurance product.
- Record the representative's name, date and next step—but keep Social Security, Medicare and VA identifiers private.
Explore more government and community resources or search the full directory for benefits, health and caregiver support.
Sources & official resources
- Medicare: Parts of Medicare
- California DHCS: Medi-Cal
- California DHCS: Full and partial dual eligibility
- California Department of Aging: HICAP
- Riverside County Veterans' Services
- VA: Murrieta VA Clinic
- VA: Temecula Vet Center
Last reviewed: September 2026