Full answer: Yes, if your 2026 household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level under MAGI rules ($22,025/year for one person, $45,540 for a family of four). California is a Medicaid expansion state, so there is no ACA gap for low-income adults. Children qualify up to 266% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 213% FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities follow separate rules, including a $130,000 asset limit reinstated January 1, 2026.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program and covers more than 14 million residents. Because California adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion in 2014, income-eligible adults ages 19 to 64 can enroll year-round at no cost, with no gap in coverage. If your income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you go to Medi-Cal. If it is above that, you may qualify for subsidized coverage through Covered California.
This page answers the 2026 eligibility rules for Medi-Cal: income limits by family size, how household composition is counted under MAGI, special rules for children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and the disabled, plus a step-by-step guide to applying. For a national comparison, see Medicaid income limits by state and state Medicaid expansion status.
Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal in 2026: The Core Rules
Medi-Cal eligibility depends on four primary factors: income, California residency, age or disability status, and immigration status. Most adults ages 19 to 64 use the MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) methodology, which means your eligibility is based entirely on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. There is no asset test for this group.
California expanded Medicaid under the ACA starting January 1, 2014, which means working-age adults who would have fallen into the coverage gap in non-expansion states are fully covered here. As of 2026, 40 states plus Washington DC have expanded Medicaid; California was among the earliest. To see how other states compare, check can I get Medicaid with a job.
- Adults ages 19 to 64: qualify at or below 138% FPL (MAGI-based, no asset test)
- Children ages 0 to 18: qualify at or below 266% FPL (about $87,780/year for a family of four)
- Pregnant individuals: qualify at or below 213% FPL for full-scope Medi-Cal or Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) up to 322% FPL
- Seniors age 65 and older and people with disabilities: separate eligibility rules apply, including SSI linkage and reinstated asset limits effective January 1, 2026
- Undocumented individuals: as of January 1, 2026, new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment is closed for undocumented adults 19 and older who are not pregnant; emergency and pregnancy services remain available
What Counts as Income for Medi-Cal Eligibility?
Medi-Cal uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to calculate income for most applicants. MAGI is essentially your taxable income plus certain additions. You count the income of all household members who are required to file federal taxes.
Key point: Many types of income that people assume are counted are actually excluded or have special treatment under MAGI rules.
- Counted as income: wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits (above the base threshold), rental income, alimony received (if divorce finalized before 2019), and taxable retirement distributions
- NOT counted: child support received, foster care payments, SNAP/CalFresh benefits, SSI payments, workers' compensation, and veterans' disability payments
- Irregular income: if your income fluctuates (seasonal work, gig economy), Medi-Cal uses projected annual income. You can report changes during the year to update your eligibility.
Key 2026 Changes to Medi-Cal You Need to Know
Three significant changes took effect January 1, 2026 for Medi-Cal. Understanding these changes is critical if you are applying or renewing coverage this year.
- Reinstated asset limits for non-MAGI programs: Adults 65 and older and people with disabilities now face asset limits of $130,000 for individuals and $195,000 for couples. Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, second vehicles, and non-primary real estate. Your primary home is exempt.
- Closed enrollment for undocumented adults: Starting January 1, 2026, undocumented adults ages 19 and older who are not pregnant can no longer enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. Those already enrolled before January 1, 2026 can continue coverage. Emergency services and pregnancy-related Medi-Cal remain available regardless of immigration status.
- ACA enhanced subsidies expired: The enhanced premium tax credits from ARPA/IRA expired January 1, 2026. This does not affect Medi-Cal directly, but if your income is just above the Medi-Cal limit, your Covered California marketplace plan cost may be significantly higher in 2026 than in 2025.
What Medi-Cal Covers Once You Qualify
Full-scope Medi-Cal is comprehensive. For most enrollees it has $0 premium, $0 deductible, and $0 or very low copays. The benefit package for MAGI adults includes all essential health benefits and several services not covered by commercial insurance.
- Doctor visits, preventive care, and specialist referrals
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
- Prescription drugs through the Medi-Cal drug formulary
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
- Dental, vision, and hearing services (adult dental restored in 2014; expanded to include dentures, root canals, and more)
- Long-term services and supports, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for eligible seniors and disabled individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in California 2026?
For most adults ages 19 to 64, the 2026 Medi-Cal income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. That is $22,025 per year or $1,836 per month for a single person, and $45,540 per year or $3,795 per month for a family of four. Income is measured using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income). Children qualify at up to 266% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 213% FPL.
Can I apply for Medi-Cal if I work?
Yes. Working does not disqualify you from Medi-Cal. Your eligibility is based on your MAGI household income compared to the FPL for your household size. If your wages, self-employment income, and any other taxable income combined stay at or below 138% FPL, you qualify. Medi-Cal has no work requirement in 2026.
Is there an asset test for Medi-Cal in 2026?
For most working-age adults (ages 19 to 64) using MAGI-based Medi-Cal, there is NO asset test. You can own a home, a car, savings, and still qualify based on income alone. However, California reinstated asset limits for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities starting January 1, 2026: $130,000 for individuals, $195,000 for couples. Your primary home and one vehicle are exempt.
How quickly does Medi-Cal coverage start after I apply?
Coverage typically starts the first day of the month you apply. If you apply online at BenefitsCal.com on any day in May, your coverage can be effective May 1. You may be eligible for Presumptive Eligibility, which lets you access services immediately while your formal application is processed. Medi-Cal can also be retroactive up to 3 months before your application date for medical bills already incurred.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medi-Cal in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment is closed for undocumented adults ages 19 and older who are not pregnant. Those already enrolled before January 1, 2026 can continue their coverage. Undocumented children and pregnant individuals remain eligible regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medi-Cal (for life-threatening conditions) remains available to all regardless of immigration status.
What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?
Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is free or near-free coverage for people with low incomes, funded by the state and federal government. Covered California is the ACA marketplace where you buy private insurance, potentially with subsidized premium tax credits. If your income is at or below 138% FPL, you go to Medi-Cal. If it is between 138% and 400% FPL (or higher under some rules), you may qualify for Covered California subsidies.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental and vision for adults in 2026?
Yes. California restored comprehensive adult dental coverage to Medi-Cal in 2014 and has expanded it since. As of 2026, adult Medi-Cal covers preventive dental, fillings, extractions, dentures, and root canals. Medi-Cal also covers vision services including eye exams and eyeglasses. This is more comprehensive than most commercial plans.
Can I keep Medi-Cal if my income goes above the limit?
If your income increases above 138% FPL, you may lose Medi-Cal eligibility. Report income changes to your county. You will then be evaluated for Covered California premium tax credit eligibility instead. During a transition, you will not have a gap in coverage if you enroll in a Covered California plan within 60 days of losing Medi-Cal.
