Medi-Cal: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
Last verified:
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, and it is run by the California Department of Health Care Services. California adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Medi-Cal, and the application is at benefitscal.com or 800-541-5555. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Medi-Cal |
|---|---|
| Children | Medi-Cal (CHIP-funded coverage is delivered inside Medi-Cal) |
| Agency | California Department of Health Care Services |
| Apply | benefitscal.com · 800-541-5555 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | January 2027 |
| Plans | Most members are in a Medi-Cal managed care plan; dental runs separately as Medi-Cal Dental. |
Who qualifies in California
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Medi-Cal), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that California sets above the federal minimums.
How California compares
California expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 2027. The program's own name, Medi-Cal, is what appears on cards and letters; "Medicaid" may not appear at all, which confuses people who move here.
How to apply for Medi-Cal
- Apply online at benefitscal.com, or call 800-541-5555. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to California. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income. Choose a plan when asked, or one is assigned.
A Medi-Cal case also qualifies you for a free phone (California carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with California SNAP.
What changes in California
California has set its own start for the federal work requirement: January 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
California specifics
- California covers full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status with state money, but froze new enrollment of undocumented adults from January 2026.
- DHCS has published a change calendar: work requirements January 2027, six-month checks March 2027, premiums for some members and the return of asset limits July 2027, a cutback to full-scope adult dental July 2027, copays October 2028.
- Offices serve Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Medi-Cal pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is California's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in California for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Medi-Cal.
Does California have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: California has set January 2027, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Medi-Cal: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.