What is the income cut off for Medi-Cal?

If your income is too high for free Medi-Cal, you can shop for discounted private health insurance through Covered California, or qualify for Medi-Cal through a "Share of Cost" program.

Options If Your Income Is Too High

• Covered California: This is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. If you make too much for regular Medi-Cal, you can get financial help and tax credits to lower the cost of a private plan. Losing Medi-Cal gives you a special window to sign up.
• Share of Cost Medi-Cal: If your income is just a bit over the limit (often for seniors or people with disabilities), you might qualify for a program with a "Share of Cost". This works like a monthly deductible. You pay your own medical bills up to a certain amount each month, and then Medi-Cal pays for the rest of your care.
• Working Disabled Program: If you have a disability and work, California lets you earn a higher income and still keep Medi-Cal, sometimes for little or no cost.
• Deductions and Adjustments: Make sure you report all tax deductions and household changes. Certain expenses or changes in tax filing can lower your countable income to fit the limits.

Yes, you can get Medi-Cal if you have money in the bank, but the rules depend on your age, health status, and household income.

For Most Adults (Under Age 65)

If you are under 65, not disabled, and not in a nursing home, your bank account balance and savings do not matter. California does not count bank accounts, cash, or other assets for general Medi-Cal eligibility. Only your monthly income counts.

For Seniors (65+), People with Disabilities, or Long-Term Care

If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or need nursing home care, Medi-Cal does count your bank accounts and cash.

• Single person limit: Your total assets must be under $130,000.
• Extra household members: You get an extra $65,000 in asset limit for each additional person in your home.
• You can learn more about these rules directly through the Department of Health Care Services.

What Else Matters?

• Income limits: Even if your bank savings are allowed, your monthly income (such as a job, social security, or a pension) must still stay below the program limit.
• Exempt property: Your primary home and one car do not count toward your asset limit.

Starting January 1, 2026, California is reinstating asset limits for certain groups and freezing new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollments for undocumented adults ages 19 and older.

Reinstated Asset Limits

• Asset Caps: Effective January 1, 2026, countable assets are capped at $130,000 for an individual and $195,000 for a couple (with $65,000 added per extra household member).
• Impacted Group: This primarily affects adults 65 or older, individuals with disabilities, and long-term care or nursing home applicants, ending the temporary no-asset-limit rule.
• Exemptions: A primary home, one vehicle, and certain retirement accounts (with required distributions) do not count toward this limit.

Immigrant Eligibility and Benefits

• Enrollment Freeze: New enrollment for full-scope Medi-Cal is frozen for undocumented adults ages 19 and older starting January 1, 2026; those already enrolled keep coverage if they renew on time.
• Dental Changes: Regular Medi-Cal dental benefits end on July 1, 2026, for adults 19 and older with unsatisfactory immigration status (though emergency dental care remains available).

Federal Gender-Affirming Care Shift

• Starting October 13, 2026, the federal government stops funding specific gender-affirming care (like surgeries or puberty blockers) for youth under 18.
• California state funds will cover these services instead, meaning eligible youth can still receive care reimbursed by the state.

To qualify for Medi-Cal, you must be a California resident with a household income typically at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Basic Rules to Qualify

• Residency: You must live in the state of California.
• Income Limits: For most adults, yearly household income must be under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (for example, under roughly $21,597 a year for a single person, or $44,367 for a family of four). Children and pregnant individuals often qualify at higher income percentages.
• No Immigration Status Restrictions: You can qualify for health coverage regardless of your immigration status.
• Property and Assets: Many groups do not have an asset limit, though certain programs for seniors (age 65+) or people with disabilities may look at property and asset limits.

How to Apply

• Online: Submit your details through BenefitsCal or Covered California.
• By Phone or In Person: Contact your local county social services or welfare office.
• Estimate Eligibility: You can use the Department of Health Care Services tool to check a quick estimate based on your household size and earnings.

Most adults in California qualify for free Medi-Cal if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is about $22,025 per year for a single person and $45,540 per year for a family of four.

Medi-Cal and Covered California are linked; if your income falls below the Medi-Cal threshold, you are directed to Medi-Cal, while incomes above 138% FPL qualify for private plans through the state marketplace.

Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)

• 1 person: Up to $22,025 per year ($1,836/month)
• 2 people: Up to $29,840 per year ($2,487/month approx)
• 3 people: Up to $37,660 per year ($3,138/month approx)
• 4 people: Up to $45,540 per year ($3,795/month approx)

Limits for Children and Pregnant Individuals

• Children (under age 19): Qualify up to 266% FPL (about $41,629 for a single person/child household up to much higher amounts for families).
• Pregnant individuals: Qualify up to 213% FPL for standard no-cost Medi-Cal, with higher tiers available through specialized programs like the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) up to 322% FPL.

You can check your exact household eligibility using the Covered California Official Site or read more through the Department of Health Care Services.