Medi-Cal eligibility requirements include income limits, which are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If you are applying for Medi-Cal in 2026, it’s important to understand these income limits, as well as other eligibility requirements.
What Is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is the state of California’s version of Medicaid and is overseen by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). It is for low-income residents of California and their families and makes no-to low-cost health care coverage accessible to many people who cannot afford private health insurance.
Medi-Cal Income Limits
In 2026, Medi-Cal income limits are as follows:
- For one person, the limit is 138% of the FPL, which is $21,597 annually. For each additional family member, $7,500 is added to the limit. That means that for a family of two the limit is $29,187, and for a family of four, it is $44,367.
- For children 19 and under, the family income limit is 266% of FPL for a family of one, which is $41,629 per year. For a family of four, the limit is $85,519 per year.
- For pregnant women, income limits may be higher (213% FPL) for pregnancy-related coverage.
Other Med-Cal Eligibility Requirements
You must be a resident of California to qualify for Medi-Cal. Other eligibility requirements include asset limits in some cases, and immigration status requirements.
Asset Limits
As of January 1. 2026, the Medi-Cal asset limits are $130,000 for persons enrolled in specific programs that require an asset test, with an additional $65,000 added for each individual in the household.
Assets that are counted in the asset limits include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Second home
- Second vehicle
- Other financial resources
Assets that are not counted include:
- The home in which you live
- Your primary vehicle
- Household items
- Retirement accounts as long as you are getting regular distributions or payments
The asset limits do not apply to everyone enrolled in Medi-Cal. They apply if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have a disability
- Live in a nursing home
- Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
Most modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-based Medi-Cal programs, which include coverage for adults ages 19–64, children, and pregnant women, are not subject to asset limits. Eligibility for these groups is based strictly on income and household size.
Some long-term care Medi-Cal programs, including nursing home coverage and certain home and community-based services, may require review of assets to determine eligibility.
Immigration Status
Immigration status rules for Medi-Cal eligibility have changed in 2026.
Beginning January 1, 2026, California implemented an enrollment freeze for certain immigrants:
- Adults age 19+ without “satisfactory immigration status” (such as undocumented adults or some recent legal residents) can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.
- If they apply after that date, they can generally only get restricted-scope coverage, which includes:
- Emergency services
- Pregnancy-related care
- Some nursing home care
People already enrolled before 2026 are mostly protected:
- They can keep full coverage regardless of immigration status as long as they stay eligible and renew each year.
- If they lose coverage and don’t re-enroll within a short grace period, they may only qualify for restricted benefits afterward.
Some people can still qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status, including:
- Children under age 19
- Pregnant individuals (during pregnancy and up to 12 months after)
- Former foster youth under 26
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
You can apply for Medi-Cal in several ways.
- Online
- Go to CoveredCA.com
- Create an account and apply
- The system automatically checks Medi-Cal eligibility first
- If you qualify, your application is sent directly to your county
- Apply Through Your County (Online, Phone, or In-Person)
Every county handles final approval.
- Find your local office: BenefitsCal.com
- Apply online, upload documents, and track your case
- Or call / visit your county social services office
- Apply by Phone
- Call 1-800-300-1506
- Available in multiple languages
- They’ll walk you through the whole application
- Apply by Mail
You can download and mail the Single Streamlined Application:
- English and other languages available
- Mail it to your county Medi-Cal office
Documents Need to Apply for Medi-Cal
When you apply, you’ll need the following documents.
- Driver’s license or I.D.
- Proof of citizenship including social security number and immigration documents.
- Income verification in the form of paystubs, W-2s, or tax returns.
- Asset verification such as bank statements and property records.
Medi-Cal Benefits
Medi-Cal offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of services, including
- Medical services, such as routine doctor visits, preventive care, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, emergency services, and prescriptions
- Dental care (Denti-Cal) for adults and children, including services like exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, dentures, and some oral surgeries.
- Vision care including routine eye exams, coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and treatment for eye diseases.
- Mental health and substance use services including outpatient therapy and counseling, psychiatric services, inpatient mental health care, and substance use disorder treatment programs.
- Pregnancy and family planning including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for up to 12 months. Family planning services, including birth control and reproductive health care, are also included.
- Children’s services (EPSDT) including regular developmental screenings, vision and hearing services, behavioral health care, and therapies such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
- Transportation services including non-emergency medical transportation for people who need help getting to medical appointments.
- Long-term and in-home care such as nursing home care and home health services.
- Additional services including medical equipment, hospice and palliative care, home health visits, and interpreter services.
In Closing
Medi-Cal eligibility requirements can change periodically, so be sure to check them before you apply or renew. If you need medical care now and have yet to get Medi-Cal or other coverage, Health Service Alliance can help you with payment and coverage options so that you can get the medical services that you need without delay. We provide compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
