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Understanding Medi-Cal income limits is the first step to determining if you qualify for free health coverage in California. Medi-Cal uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages to set income eligibility thresholds, and these limits vary based on your household size and situation.
Key takeaway: Most adults qualify for Medi-Cal if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Pregnant women, children, and some other groups have higher income limits. If you’re slightly over the Medi-Cal limits, you likely qualify for subsidized coverage through Covered California.
2026 Medi-Cal Income Limits by Household Size
For most adults ages 19-64, Medi-Cal eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Here are the 2026 income limits:
Monthly Income Limits (138% FPL):
- 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)
For each additional person beyond 8, add approximately $473/month ($5,680/year).
Medi-Cal Income Limits for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify for Medi-Cal at significantly higher income limits than other adults. California provides enhanced Medi-Cal coverage for pregnancy regardless of immigration status.
Pregnant women can qualify for Medi-Cal with household incomes well above the standard adult limits — often more than double. This ensures access to prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services.
For current income limits for pregnant women, visit dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal or call 1-800-541-5555.
Medi-Cal Income Limits for Children
Children under age 19 qualify for Medi-Cal at significantly higher income limits than adults. Many working families with children qualify for Medi-Cal even if the parents earn too much for adult coverage.
California’s children’s Medi-Cal program covers kids in families with moderate incomes, recognizing that children’s health coverage is essential for families.
For current income limits for children’s Medi-Cal, visit dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal or call 1-800-541-5555.
What Income Counts Toward Medi-Cal Eligibility?
Medi-Cal uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility. This includes most types of income but excludes certain sources.
Income that counts:
- Wages and salaries from employment
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits (including disability)
- Pension and retirement income
- Investment income and interest
- Rental income
Income that does NOT count:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans disability payments
- Child support received
- Workers’ compensation
- Gifts and inheritances
- Federal student loans and grants
How to Calculate Your Household Size
Your household size for Medi-Cal includes everyone you include on your tax return, whether or not they need health coverage.
Include in your household:
- Yourself
- Your spouse (if you file taxes together)
- Your children under 19 (if you claim them as dependents)
- Other dependents you claim on your tax return
- Your unborn child (if pregnant)
Do NOT include:
- Adult children over 19 (unless they’re dependents)
- Roommates or other people you live with but don’t claim as dependents
- Parents or relatives you don’t claim as dependents
What If You’re Above the Medi-Cal Income Limits?
If your household income is above Medi-Cal limits, you likely qualify for subsidized health insurance through Covered California. Many people just slightly above the Medi-Cal threshold can get comprehensive coverage for $50-$200/month after premium tax credits.
Example: A single person earning $2,000/month ($24,000/year) is above the Medi-Cal limit but qualifies for approximately $200-$300/month in subsidies for a Covered California plan, bringing their cost down to $150-$250/month for a Silver plan.
What If Your Income Changes?
Report income changes to Medi-Cal within 10 days. Changes that may affect your eligibility include:
- Lost your job or had hours reduced
- Started a new job or got a raise
- Changes to unemployment benefits
- Changes to household size (birth, adoption, marriage, divorce)
- Started or stopped receiving other income
If your income increases above Medi-Cal limits: You may transition to Covered California with subsidies to keep your coverage affordable.
If your income decreases below Covered California minimums: You may become eligible for Medi-Cal and can switch to free coverage.
Common Questions About Medi-Cal Income Limits
Do I count gross income or net income?
Medi-Cal uses gross income (before taxes and deductions) for eligibility. This is your total household income before any deductions like 401k contributions, health insurance premiums, or taxes.
What if I’m self-employed?
Self-employed individuals report net self-employment income (gross receipts minus business expenses). You’ll need to provide tax returns or profit/loss statements when applying.
Can I get Medi-Cal if I’m unemployed?
Yes. If you have no income or very low income from unemployment benefits, you almost certainly qualify for Medi-Cal. Even if you receive unemployment benefits, you may still be under the income limits.
Do my assets or savings affect Medi-Cal eligibility?
No. For most Medi-Cal programs (those based on MAGI), your assets, savings accounts, property, or vehicles do not affect eligibility. Only your income matters.
Get Help Determining Your Medi-Cal Eligibility
Calculating your household income and determining eligibility can be confusing, especially if you have multiple income sources, are self-employed, or recently experienced income changes. A licensed California health insurance agent can:
- Calculate your Modified Adjusted Gross Income correctly
- Determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California
- Explain what documents you need to apply
- Help you understand how income changes affect your coverage
- Walk you through the application process step by step
There is no obligation and no cost for this service. Agents are compensated by insurance carriers, not by you.
Summary
- Adults qualify for Medi-Cal at 138% FPL ($1,800/month for single person, $2,432/month for couple)
- Pregnant women qualify at significantly higher income limits than adults
- Children under 19 qualify at the highest income limits — many working families with children qualify
- If you’re above Medi-Cal limits, you likely qualify for subsidized Covered California coverage
- For current income limits for all categories, visit dhcs.ca.gov or call 1-800-541-5555
- Licensed agents can help you calculate your eligibility at no cost
For more information about California health coverage programs and eligibility requirements, visit our California Health Coverage Eligibility Guide.
Important Note: Income limits and eligibility rules are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. The information provided here is for general educational purposes and should not be considered definitive.
Always verify current income limits and eligibility requirements at:
- Official Medi-Cal website: dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
- Official Covered California website: coveredca.com
- Or by speaking with a licensed insurance agent
Last verified: 02/01/2026