What income does Medi-Cal use?

Asked by: Neoma Mayert  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
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Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

What income is Medi-Cal based on?

Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

What is deducted to income for Medi-Cal?

Examples of Medi-Cal income deductions include: child or dependent care, work expenses, court-ordered child support, alimony, educa- tional expenses, and health insurance premiums for other family members. The kind of docu- mentation required for income deductions varies based on the type of deduction and the source.

What income is Medicaid based on?

Financial eligibility for the premium tax credit, most categories of Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is determined using a tax-based measure of income called modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.

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How much money can I have in my bank account if I have Medi-Cal?

For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information. » I was not eligible in the past.

How does Medi-Cal verify income?

Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.

What is the minimum income to qualify for Covered California 2024?

For 2024, your expected income is less than $21,870 as a single person, less than $29,580 for a household of two people, less than $37,290 for a household of three people, or less than $45,000 for a household of four people.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.

What is in kind income for Medi-Cal?

(a) Income in kind is any support or maintenance received in kind from a person other than a responsible relative for: (1) Housing. (2) Utilities. (3) Food.

What happens if you make too much for Medi-Cal?

What can I do if I make too much money for Medi-Cal? You may get a private health plan through Covered California. You could also get financial assistance. If you qualify, your local Medi-Cal office will share your information.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.

Does Covered California use gross or net income?

According to Covered California's official guidelines, “Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is your Adjusted Gross Income (found on your tax return) plus any tax-exempt Social Security, tax-exempt interest, and tax-exempt foreign income you have.”

Can I get food stamps if I make $1,800 a month California?

Household gross monthly income (prior to deductions) cannot exceed 200 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. For a household of three, this is $4,304. A household's net monthly income cannot exceed 100 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. For a household of three, this is $2,152.

Do I qualify for food stamps if I make $2000 a month?

Maximum income for food stamps must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. For a family line of three, the poverty line to calculate SNAP benefits for the federal fiscal year 2022 is $1,830 a month. 130% of this number is $2,379 a month, or about $28,550 a year.

Do you automatically qualify for CalFresh if you have Medi-Cal?

If anyone in the household gets, or is eligible to get, Medi-Cal, the household is also categorically eligible for CalFresh, provided it has a gross income at or below 200% of the FPL.

Does Medi-Cal use gross or net income?

The most common form of Medi-Cal is Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal. It uses tax rules to see if you qualify. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal is Medi-Cal that uses other rules to count property, household income, and size to see if you qualify.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

Can you be denied Medi-Cal?

Common Reasons for Medi-Cal Coverage Denials

Eligibility Issues: Denials can occur due to discrepancies in income, residency, or documentation, leading to questions about eligibility.

How to calculate income for Medi-Cal?

Income-based Medi-Cal
  1. You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four).
  2. You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($85,519 per year for a family of four).

How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?

You can call or visit your local Medi-Cal office to update your personal information or ask for assistance. The Department of Health Care Services (www.dhcs.ca.gov) lists on its website all county Medi-Cal agencies, with addresses, phone numbers, and links. You can also call Medi-Cal's help line (800-541-5555).