Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in Los Angeles?

Asked by: Prof. Tristian Goldner  |  Last update: July 8, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)

You can also get Medi-Cal if you are:
  • 65 or older.
  • Blind.
  • Disabled.
  • Under 21.
  • Pregnant.
  • In a skilled nursing or intermediate care home.
  • On refugee status for a limited time, depending how long you have been in the United States.
  • A parent or caretaker relative of an age eligible child.

Who is eligible for Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County?

Adult Eligibility

Adults, including both parents and adults without children, with yearly earnings up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for Medi-Cal. The qualifying income criteria varies by family size.

How can I check if I qualify for Medi-Cal?

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 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).

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.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

28 related questions found

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.

Why did I get denied for Medi-Cal?

Eligibility Issues: Denials can occur due to discrepancies in income, residency, or documentation, leading to questions about eligibility. Prior Authorization: Some treatments require prior authorization, and failure to obtain this or administrative errors can lead to denials.

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.

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 documents are needed for Medi-Cal in California?

Apply for Medi-Cal
  • Identification – Driver's license, California ID card, passport, birth certificates, or proof of immigration status.
  • Social Security numbers for applicants who have them or are eligible to have them.
  • Proof of residency – Rent or mortgage receipt or utility bill.

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.

Can you have Medi-Cal and regular insurance?

Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.

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).

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.

Can you own a home and get Medi-Cal in California?

First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.

Can you have money in the bank and get low income Housing?

If assets are greater than $5,000, the income from those assets must be considered. Since eligibility for this program is based on having an income of less than 80 percent of median income in the area, eligibility would not be affected unless the investment income brought total income over that 80 percent threshold.

What benefits are available to low income in California?

California: Financial Assistance Resources for Families
  • Child Care Financial Assistance. ...
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) ...
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ...
  • Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP formerly Food Stamps) ...
  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

Is 25k a year the poverty level?

Under their guidelines, a family of four is considered impoverished if they earn $30,000 or less per year.

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

Most single individuals will qualify for Medi-Cal if there income is under $1,676 per month. Most couples will qualify if their income is under $2,267 per month. If you have disabilities, your income can be slightly higher. You can qualify for Medi-Cal even if you have assets.

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

Is a check considered proof of income?

Regular paychecks or direct deposit statements serve as proof of income. Property managers often require these to verify consistent earnings.

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.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

What is the fastest way to get Medi-Cal?

These are the fastest ways to find out if you are eligible for ongoing full-scope Medi-Cal: Search for in-person help near you for someone who can help you complete your application. Apply online on http://www.benefitscal.com or CoveredCA.com. Call or visit a Medi-Cal office in your county.