What does your income need to be to qualify for Medi-Cal?


Editorial team Published on

Medi-Cal income limits depend on your household size, age, and specific life situation, with most adults (ages 19–64) eligible at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Adult Income Limits (138% FPL)

For adults, the annual and approximate monthly income limits are:

  • Family size of 1: $22,250 annual / ~$1,836 monthly
  • Family size of 2: ~$2,433 to $2,500+ monthly (varies slightly by precise FPL updates)
  • Family size of 3: ~ $3,143 monthly
  • Check the official Medi-Cal Eligibility Chart for a complete breakdown of limits by larger household sizes.

Limits for Children and Pregnant Individuals

Other household members may qualify at higher income thresholds:

  • Children (Ages 0–19): Eligible up to 266% of the FPL.
  • Pregnant Individuals: Eligible up to 213% of the FPL (with higher pathways like MCAP available for higher brackets).

If your income is slightly above these limits, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal through a Share of Cost program, which functions similarly to a monthly deductible. You can apply or check your exact household eligibility through BenefitsCal.