California Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies
Who can get Medi-Cal in 2026, the income limits in dollars, and how to apply — in plain English.
✓ Every figure on this page verified against the primary government source as of July 16, 2026.
California expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for Medi-Cal in 2026 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for a single person and $3,795 for a family of four, with no asset test.
Key takeaways
- Qualify as an adult with income up to $1,835/month (1 person) or $3,795 (family of 4) — 138% FPL.
- Skip the asset test — MAGI Medicaid counts income only, not savings.
- Enroll any time — Medicaid has no open-enrollment window.
- Apply for kids regardless: children's limits run far higher than 138% FPL.
- Watch for the OBBBA work rules — 80 hours/month requirements phase in for expansion adults through Dec 31, 2026.
California adult income limits by household size (2026)
| Household size | Monthly limit (138% FPL) | Annual limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,020 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,896 |
Who qualifies for Medi-Cal
California expanded Medicaid: adults qualify for Medi-Cal up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, regardless of assets for most MAGI groups.
Children qualify for Medi-Cal at higher income levels (over 200% FPL); California also covers children regardless of immigration status.
Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities qualify through separate, non-MAGI pathways — typically tied to the SSI rate of $994/month with a resource limit around $2,000 — and low-income Medicare beneficiaries can get help with premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
How Medicaid interacts with other benefits
- SSI: an SSI award brings Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in California.
- SNAP: separate tests, one application — the same portal (benefitscal.com) handles both.
- Marketplace: above 138% FPL, HealthCare.gov subsidies take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
Apply through California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal) — online at benefitscal.com or by phone at 800-541-5555. You can also apply through HealthCare.gov — Medicaid-eligible applications are forwarded to the state automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in California for 2026?
Adults qualify for Medi-Cal with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $1,835 per month for one person and $3,795 for a family of four in 2026.
Does California Medicaid have an asset test?
Not for MAGI groups — adults under 138% FPL, children, and pregnant women face no asset limit. Asset limits (commonly $2,000 for an individual) still apply to aged/blind/disabled and long-term-care Medicaid.
Can children get Medicaid in California if parents earn too much?
Children qualify for Medi-Cal at higher income levels (over 200% FPL); California also covers children regardless of immigration status. There's no harm in applying — children are evaluated separately from adults.
Does SSI qualify me for Medicaid in California?
Yes — SSI recipients ($994/month federal rate in 2026) get Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in California.
Is there an enrollment deadline for Medicaid in California?
No. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — you can apply any month, and coverage can start retroactively up to 3 months before your application in many cases.
How do I apply for Medicaid in California?
Apply online at benefitscal.com, by phone at 800-541-5555, or through HealthCare.gov, which forwards Medicaid-eligible applications to the state.