What is the income limit for Covered California Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Turner Robel  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

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.

What is the maximum income to qualify for Medi-Cal California?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($20,783 for an individual; $43,056 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($82,992 per year for a family of four).

Can I get Covered California if I make too much money?

Even if your income is too high to get help paying for a health plan, you can still buy a plan through Covered California.

Is Covered California based on net income?

One of the most frequent questions posed by Californians looking to enroll in a health insurance plan through Covered California is whether the system uses gross income or net income to determine eligibility and premium costs. To put it plainly: Covered California uses neither gross income nor net income.

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.

Medi-Cal Monthly vs. Covered California Annual Income Issues

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What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?

If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. Covered California offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health plan and meet income rules.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

How much does Covered California cost per month?

Apply for health insurance by Jan. 31 — and pay as little as $10 per month if you qualify. How many need coverage? Your Estimate $63 per month for a Silver plan. Bronze as low as $0.

Why am I not eligible for Covered California?

You do not have other health coverage (such as free Medi-Cal or employer-sponsored insurance) that prevents you from qualifying for insurance through Covered California. Covered California stated that you are not a California resident. Covered California stated that you did not pay your premiums by your due date.

How does Covered California check your income?

This is called “income verification.” Covered California does this by electronically asking the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) database and other databases if what you reported is the same as what they have on file. The IRS will not share your personal tax data with Covered California.

How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?

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 the maximum income to qualify for Covered California in 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.

How does Medi-Cal verify income in California?

Income can be verified by providing various types of documents such as the acceptable list below. One of the most common proofs is a pay stub. If you submit a pay stub, make sure that it is current and within the last 45 days; otherwise, Covered California may not accept it.

What is the maximum monthly income to qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo. for individuals or $4,280/mo.

Is my income too high for Medicaid?

The income limits for Medicaid applicants can change depending on the state where they live, their marital status and the Medicaid program. In general, however, the income limits are low. In most states in 2025, the income limit for receiving long-term care at home or in a nursing home through Medicaid is $2,901/month.

Who is eligible for Medi-Cal in California in 2024?

Californians under 26 years of age, or over 50 years of age, are already eligible for full Medi-Cal. You do not need to fill out a new application for full Medi-Cal. You will automatically be enrolled into full Medi-Cal on January 1, 2024.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health insurance to eligible Californian residents with limited incomes. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial help if they qualify for it.

What happens if my income increases while on Medi-Cal?

You will not lose your Medi-Cal coverage while the continuous coverage requirement is in place if your income goes up or your household changes.

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.

Who is eligible for Covered California?

Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.

What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal?

The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.