Very confused with Covered CA and Medi-cal

Currently in California.

I am getting really confused with this whole Medi-cal and Covered CA thing. I got laid off in June and my coverage with Kaiser ended at the end of July. As soon as I got laid off, I went ahead and filed for unemployment via EDD. At the end of that application, it suggested that I apply for health coverage.

So I also filled all my info for that. At the end of that application, I chose a plan that was most suitable for me (Bronze HMO). I have higher deductibles and co-pays but I do not have a need to go to the doctor if I don’t need to do so. My plan via Covered CA was approved and I was sent a new Kaiser card with my same Kaiser number. I thought all was good.

Then I got a packet from the California Department of Heath Care Services and it states that I need to choose “My Medi-Cal Choice – Health Care Options” and I have to submit by early Oct —I’m here scratching my head on why I am receiving this. I see that I can join Molina or IEHP (Kaiser is not listed).

I went to the local county social services office and they weren’t much help. They told me I might end up getting coverage on both Medi-Cal and Covered CA (at this point, I learned that those two entities were not one in the same). The social worker also told me that I have to report my income (my unemployment) to benefitscal.

I am really confused with all of this. What am I supposed to do? I do not want to double dip or claim more than I am allowed to. Do I ignore the packet that I was sent for Medi-Cal? What happens to my current coverage through Covered CA?

See also  Help!!

My unemployment just got approved and I started getting my payments. I am not currently working, but I have a possible temporary job next month that could help me with some income.