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.
Figures cite official government sources (linked by each table). Last verified July 17, 2026 · Effective period: Calendar 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.
- Note the timing: the federal Medicaid community-engagement (work) requirement is generally scheduled to begin January 1, 2027, not 2026 — confirm California's date with its Medicaid agency.
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 |
Source: California DHCS — Medi-Cal eligibility — 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
These figures are derived from the federal poverty guidelines using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income). Confirm the exact figure with California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal).
Who qualifies for Medi-Cal
California expanded Medicaid: adults qualify for Medi-Cal up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. MAGI-based Medi-Cal (the expansion group, parents, children, and pregnant applicants) does not use an asset test.
Children qualify for Medi-Cal at higher income levels (over 200% FPL); California also covers children regardless of immigration status.
Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled in California is based on state-specific non-MAGI rules. Income limits, resource limits, medically-needy/spend-down programs, and long-term-care standards vary by program — there is no single nationwide figure. For non-MAGI Medi-Cal categories (Aged, Blind & Disabled; Medi-Cal with a Share of Cost; the 250% Working Disabled Program; Long-Term Care; and Medicare Savings Programs), California reinstated an asset limit effective January 1, 2026: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member. Long-term-care and spousal-impoverishment cases use additional rules. Confirm the current limit with California DHCS or your county office. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can also 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, subsidies through Covered California take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
- Apply through the state Medicaid/benefits portal first — California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal), benefitscal.com, or by phone at 800-541-5555.
- California runs its own Marketplace — Covered California (coveredca.com) — which screens for Medicaid and handles Marketplace plans if you're over the limit.
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 applicants face no asset limit. For non-MAGI Medi-Cal categories (Aged, Blind & Disabled; Medi-Cal with a Share of Cost; the 250% Working Disabled Program; Long-Term Care; and Medicare Savings Programs), California reinstated an asset limit effective January 1, 2026: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member. Long-term-care and spousal-impoverishment cases use additional rules. Confirm the current limit with California DHCS or your county office.
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 at a local office of California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal). California runs its own Marketplace, Covered California (coveredca.com), which also screens for Medicaid.