California Medi-Cal Eligibility 2026: Income Limits Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Medi-Cal and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) or your local county office before applying.
Trying to figure out if you qualify for health coverage in California? The application process can feel confusing, especially when you are not sure about income limits or which programs you might be eligible for.
Here is the short answer: If you are an adult between 19 and 64 with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for Medi-Cal in California. For a single person in 2026, that means you can earn up to $1,732 per month (about $20,783 per year) and still get free health coverage. A family of four can earn up to $3,588 per month ($43,056 per year) and qualify.
California has one of the most comprehensive Medicaid programs in the country. Medi-Cal covers nearly 15 million Californians and provides full health coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental care, and vision services. The state has also eliminated asset limits for most applicants, so your savings or retirement accounts will not disqualify you.
This guide walks you through Medi-Cal eligibility requirements, income limits by household size, how to apply, and what to expect after you submit your application.
What Is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low cost health coverage to eligible California residents. The program is jointly funded by the federal government and the State of California, and it is administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Medi-Cal covers a wide range of health services at no cost to most enrollees. These services include doctor visits, emergency room care, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health services, substance use treatment, dental care through Medi-Cal Dental, vision care, and preventive services like immunizations and screenings.
California expanded Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act, which means more adults qualify compared to states that did not expand. The state has also extended coverage to all income eligible adults regardless of immigration status, making California one of the most inclusive states for health coverage.
Now let's look at the specific income requirements to qualify.
Medi-Cal Income Limits for 2026
Medi-Cal eligibility is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes wages, self employment income, Social Security benefits, and other taxable income. The income limits vary depending on your household size.
Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 | $2,351 | $28,208 |
| 3 | $2,970 | $35,636 |
| 4 | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 | $4,826 | $57,908 |
| Each additional person | +$619 | +$7,428 |
These limits apply to adults ages 19 through 64. If your income falls at or below these thresholds, you can qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage with no monthly premiums and minimal or no out of pocket costs.
Some groups have even higher income limits. Children under 19 can qualify with household income up to 266% of the federal poverty level through the OTLICP program. Pregnant women qualify with income up to 213% FPL. This means more families can access coverage for their children even if the parents earn too much to qualify themselves.
What about your savings and assets? Let's address that next.
No Asset Limits in California
California eliminated the asset test for Medi-Cal in 2024. This is a major change that helps more people qualify for coverage.
Previously, applicants could be denied if they had too much money in savings accounts, retirement funds, or other assets. Now, your assets do not count against you when determining eligibility. You can have savings in the bank, a retirement account, or other resources and still qualify based solely on your income.
This change removes a significant barrier for many Californians, especially seniors and people with disabilities who may have modest savings but still need affordable health coverage. The elimination of asset limits applies to most Medi-Cal categories including adults, children, pregnant women, and the aged and disabled program.
The one exception is certain long term care benefits, which may still consider assets in some situations. But for regular Medi-Cal health coverage, assets are no longer a factor.
Now let's look at who specifically qualifies for Medi-Cal.
Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal covers several different groups of California residents. You may qualify if you fall into one of these categories.
Adults Ages 19 to 64
Adults with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Medi-Cal. This includes working adults, unemployed individuals, and self employed people. You do not need to have children to qualify. Single adults and childless couples can enroll if they meet the income requirements.
Children Under 19
Children qualify at higher income levels than adults. Families with income up to 266% FPL can get coverage for their children through the OTLICP program. This means a family of four earning up to $86,880 per year can still qualify their children for Medi-Cal, even if the parents do not qualify.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify with income up to 213% of the federal poverty level. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for 12 months after giving birth. Pregnant women can apply at any time during pregnancy.
Seniors Age 65 and Older
Seniors who are 65 or older can qualify for Medi-Cal with income at or below 138% FPL. Many seniors receive both Medicare and Medi-Cal (called dual eligible), which helps cover costs that Medicare does not pay, including long term care services.
People with Disabilities
Individuals who are blind or have a disability can qualify for Medi-Cal through the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program. The income limits are the same 138% FPL threshold for most applicants using the MAGI methodology.
All Immigrants Regardless of Status
California has expanded Medi-Cal to cover all income eligible adults regardless of immigration status. This expansion was fully phased in, making California one of the few states to offer comprehensive health coverage to undocumented residents who meet the income requirements.
Understanding what income counts toward eligibility is important. Let's break that down.
What Counts as Income for Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most applicants. MAGI includes several types of income.
Income that counts:
- Wages and salaries from employment
- Self employment income (after business expenses)
- Social Security benefits (including retirement and disability)
- Unemployment compensation
- Alimony received (for divorces finalized before 2019)
- Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
- Rental income
- Pension and retirement distributions
Income that does not count:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Child support received
- Workers' compensation benefits
- Gifts and inheritances
- Tax exempt interest
- Veteran's benefits
- CalFresh (SNAP) benefits
- CalWORKs cash assistance
Your household size also affects your income limit. When calculating household size for Medi-Cal, you generally include yourself, your spouse if married, and any dependents you claim on your taxes. Children are included in the household even if they file their own tax return.
If your income fluctuates month to month, California looks at your projected annual income rather than any single month. This helps self employed workers and people with variable income qualify more easily.
Ready to apply? Here is how the process works.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
You can apply for Medi-Cal in several ways. The process is straightforward and most people can complete an application in 30 to 45 minutes.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply is online through one of two websites:
Covered California: Visit coveredca.com/apply to complete a single streamlined application. This application checks your eligibility for both Medi-Cal and Covered California marketplace plans. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, your application is automatically transferred to the Medi-Cal program.
BenefitsCal: Visit benefitscal.com to apply directly for Medi-Cal and other public assistance programs like CalFresh and CalWORKs. This portal is managed by the California Department of Social Services.
Both options are free to use and available 24 hours a day.
By Phone
Call the Medi-Cal helpline at 1-800-541-5555 to apply over the phone. Representatives can help you complete your application and answer questions about eligibility. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific time.
In Person
You can apply in person at your local county social services office. Find your county office by visiting the DHCS website or calling the Medi-Cal helpline. In person assistance can be helpful if you have questions or need help gathering documents.
Through a Certified Enrollment Counselor
Certified enrollment counselors and community organizations throughout California provide free assistance with Medi-Cal applications. These counselors can help you understand your options and complete your application correctly.
After you apply, here is what to expect.
What Happens After You Apply
Once you submit your Medi-Cal application, the county has 45 days to process it and make an eligibility determination. However, many applications are processed much faster, especially if you apply online and your information can be verified electronically.
During the processing period, the county may contact you to request additional documentation. Common documents requested include proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of income, and proof of citizenship or immigration status if applicable.
If you are approved, you will receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) in the mail. This is your Medi-Cal card that you will show to doctors and pharmacies when receiving services. You can start using your coverage right away, and coverage is often effective the first day of the month you applied.
If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The denial notice will explain why you were denied and how to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision.
Need to check your eligibility quickly? There are tools that can help.
Check Your Eligibility
Before spending time on a full application, you can quickly check whether you might qualify for Medi-Cal and other benefit programs.
A free eligibility screening tool like Benefits USA can check your eligibility for Medi-Cal and 10 other programs in about 5 minutes. You answer a few questions about your household size, income, and situation, and the tool shows you which programs you likely qualify for and their estimated value.
These screening tools are not official applications and do not guarantee eligibility. However, they can give you a good sense of what benefits are available before you invest time in the formal application process. If the screener indicates you may qualify, you can then apply through the official channels.
Many California residents qualify for multiple programs. For example, if you qualify for Medi-Cal, you may also qualify for CalFresh food assistance, California LifeLine phone discounts, or LIHEAP energy assistance. Checking your eligibility for all programs at once can help you maximize the benefits available to your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Medi-Cal if I have a job? Yes. Medi-Cal is designed to help low and moderate income Californians, including working people. If your household income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, you can qualify even if you work full time. Many working adults receive Medi-Cal.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental and vision? Yes. Medi-Cal provides comprehensive dental coverage through the Medi-Cal Dental program (formerly Denti-Cal) and vision coverage. These benefits are included at no additional cost to enrollees.
How long does it take to get approved for Medi-Cal? The county has up to 45 days to process your application. However, many applications are approved within 1 to 2 weeks, especially if you apply online and your information can be verified electronically. You may receive expedited processing if you have urgent medical needs.
Will my savings disqualify me from Medi-Cal? No. California eliminated the asset test for most Medi-Cal categories in 2024. Your savings, retirement accounts, and other assets do not count against your eligibility. Only your income matters for determining whether you qualify.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medi-Cal? Yes. California has expanded Medi-Cal to cover all income eligible adults regardless of immigration status. If you meet the income requirements and are a California resident, you can apply for Medi-Cal coverage.
What if my income changes after I enroll? You must report income changes to Medi-Cal within 10 days. If your income increases above the limit, you may transition to Covered California marketplace coverage with premium subsidies. If your income decreases, your Medi-Cal benefits continue.
Next Steps
If your income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for Medi-Cal in California. For a single person, that means earning up to $20,783 per year. For a family of four, the limit is $43,056 per year.
Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, and vision at no cost to most enrollees. With no asset limits, California makes it easier than ever to qualify based on income alone.
Start by checking your eligibility using a free screening tool, then apply online through Covered California or BenefitsCal. The application takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you could have coverage within a few weeks.
Do not assume you do not qualify. Many working Californians are surprised to learn they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Check your eligibility today.
