What's the monthly income limit for Medi-Cal?

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For most adults, the monthly income limit for Medi-Cal is roughly $1,800 for a single person and $2,432 for a couple (138% of the Federal Poverty Level).

đź“Š Monthly Income Limits (138% FPL)

  • Family size 1: $1,800 per month
  • Family size 2: $2,432 per month
  • Family size 3: $3,065 per month
  • Family size 4: $3,697 per month

đź’ˇ Higher Limits for Specific Groups

  • Children (ages 0–19): Up to 266% FPL (approx. $4,730/mo for a family of 3).
  • Pregnant individuals: Higher limits apply depending on specific MAGI rules.
  • Working Disabled Program: Higher countable income limits up to 250% FPL ($3,325/mo for individuals).

How much money can I make and still be on Medi-Cal?

To qualify for free or low-cost Medi-Cal, your maximum income depends on your household size and which specific group you fall into. For most adults (ages 19–64), the income threshold is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

The 2026 Medi-Cal income limits for standard adults are:

Household SizeMonthly Income LimitAnnual Income Limit
1 person$1,800$21,597
2 people$2,432$29,187
3 people$3,065$36,777
4 people$3,697$44,367
5 people$4,330$51,957

Important Exceptions to the Rule

Certain groups are allowed to earn significantly more and still keep Medi-Cal:

  • Children (under 19): Households can earn up to 266% FPL (about $42,454/year for a single child or higher based on family size).
  • Pregnant Individuals: The threshold is expanded up to 213% FPL.
  • Working Individuals with Disabilities: The 250% Working Disabled Program allows higher earnings for those who qualify.

⚠️ Note on Asset Limits

If you are qualifying under an Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program, please note that California has reinstated its asset test. As of 2026, countable resources cannot exceed $130,000 for an individual or $195,000 for a couple. Standard, income-based expansion adults do not have an asset limit.

What if I earn too much?

If your income is slightly over the limit, you will automatically be evaluated for heavily subsidized health insurance through Covered California. Alternatively, you may qualify for Medi-Cal with a "Share of Cost," which operates similarly to a monthly medical deductible.

You can cross-reference your specific household setup directly using the DHCS Official Poverty Level Chart.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in 2026?

For most adults aged 19 to 64, the 2026 Medi-Cal income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $1,800 per month ($21,597 per year) for a single person.

Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)

For standard MAGI-based Medi-Cal (adults, expansion groups):

  • 1 person: $1,800 / month ($21,597 / year)
  • 2 people: $2,432 / month ($29,187 / year)
  • 3 people: $3,065 / month ($36,777 / year)
  • 4 people: $3,697 / month ($44,367 / year)
  • 5 people: $4,330 / month ($51,957 / year)

You can check complete, official household charts directly through the Department of Health Care Services Eligibility Chart.

Limits for Other Groups

  • Children and Pregnant Individuals: Qualify at higher thresholds, up to 266% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$3,774/month for a single-person household).
  • Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD): The basic non-MAGI limit sits around $1,801/month for a single individual (factoring in California's standard income disregard).
  • Working Disabled Program: Allows higher earnings up to 250% of the FPL (~$3,260/month for individuals).

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

The income limit for most adults (ages 19–64) to qualify for free Medi-Cal in California is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is roughly $21,597 per year for a single person and $44,367 per year for a family of four.

Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)

For adults aged 19 to 64, the estimated annual income caps include:

  • 1 person: $21,597
  • 2 people: $29,187
  • 3 people: $36,777
  • 4 people: $44,367

Income Limits for Other Groups

Different rules and higher thresholds apply depending on your age or life situation:

  • Children (Ages 0–19): Up to 266% FPL (e.g., $41,629 for a household of 1; $85,519 for a family of 4).
  • Pregnant Individuals: Up to 213% FPL (and specialized prenatal programs cover even higher tiers).
  • Aged (65+) & Disabled: Countable monthly income must generally be under $1,836 for an individual or $2,490 for a couple under specific poverty-level pathways, though higher incomes may qualify with a "Share of Cost".

You can check official rules and apply through the Department of Health Care Services or via BenefitsCal.

What if my income is too high 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.

Medi-Cal Eligibility Rules Are Changing (Again) in 2026 - Here’s What You Need to Know

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What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal in California?

Exceeding the income limits, failing residency rules, or breaching specific asset and immigration guidelines can disqualify you from Medi-Cal in California.

Income Limits

  • Too much money: If your household income goes above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level for regular adult programs, you may no longer qualify.
  • Higher limits for others: Pregnant individuals and children have higher income limits, but earning past those caps will also cause disqualification.

Residency and Location

  • Not living in the state: You must be a legal resident of California to get and keep your benefits. Moving out of state ends your coverage.

Asset Limits (For Seniors and Disabled Individuals)

  • Re-enforced limits: Asset limits apply for adults who are 65 or older, disabled, or in long-term care. Having countable savings, second homes, or extra vehicles over $130,000 for a single person ($195,000 for a couple) will disqualify you.

Immigration Status Changes

  • New enrollment freezes: New enrollments for some undocumented adults face restrictions under recent state and federal guidelines, though current eligible members who renew on time can maintain status.

How does Medi-Cal calculate income?

Medi-Cal calculates income primarily using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules for most adults, children, and pregnant individuals, looking at your current monthly gross income rather than past tax returns.

You can read the official guidelines in the Department of Health Care Services Income Guide.

Key Rules for Income Calculation

  • Gross vs. Net: Medi-Cal counts gross income (total money earned or received before taxes and deductions) for earned income like wages and tips.
  • Current Monthly Income: Eligibility is based on what you make right now each month. Annual or seasonal income is averaged over 12 months only if the work is seasonal or contracted (like for teachers).
  • Allowed Deductions: Standard adjustments like student loan interest, pre-tax retirement contributions, or self-employment business expenses are subtracted from your total to find your countable income.
  • Excluded Income: Certain types of receipts—such as child support, CalFresh (food stamps), and specific disaster reliefs—are completely left out of the calculation.
  • Household Size: Income limits are scaled based on the number of tax dependents and family members living in your household, tied to percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Most non-senior adults qualify if income is under 138% of the FPL.
  • Non-MAGI Rules (Aged, Blind, and Disabled): For seniors or individuals with disabilities, asset limits and different rules apply, where certain maintenance needs and medical expenses can create a "share of cost" rather than outright free coverage.

Will people lose Medi-Cal in 2026?

Yes, some people will face a loss of Medi-Cal coverage in 2026 due to newly implemented federal restrictions and reinstated state rules.

Who is at Risk of Losing Coverage

  • Certain Immigrant Populations: Starting October 1, 2026, federal changes narrow the definition of qualified non-citizens for federal Medicaid funding, impacting certain refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees (though California provides a bridge of state-funded coverage for some groups through June 30, 2027).
  • Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities: Effective January 1, 2026, California reinstated the asset limit test ($130,000 for an individual; $195,000 for a couple) for non-MAGI programs like long-term care. Those exceeding these countable property limits during their 2026 annual renewals will lose eligibility unless they reduce their assets.
  • People Who Miss Renewal Deadlines: Regular checks and stricter administrative renewal requirements mean that failure to return paperwork on time can result in canceled coverage.

Exempt Groups Who Will Keep Medi-Cal

  • Children ages 0–18
  • Pregnant and postpartum individuals
  • Current and former foster youth under age 26

You can read official updates and guidance directly from the California Department of Health Care Services.

How to qualify for Medi-Cal?

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

What is the income limit for covered Medi-Cal in California?

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.