Last Update: 5 January 2026 by Akash Biswas
⚠️ CRITICAL 2026 CHANGES:
- Asset limits reinstated: $130,000 (individual), $195,000 (couple), effective January 1, 2026
- Undocumented adult enrollment frozen: No new enrollment after December 31, 2025 (children and pregnant people exempt)
- Dental benefits ending: July 1, 2026 for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status
- Premium requirement coming: $30/month starting July 1, 2027 for certain enrollees
In 2026, a single adult in California can qualify for Medi-Cal if they earn about $21,597 per year or less—that’s 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Income limits vary by state, so you can compare California with other states in our Medicaid income limits by state 2026 guide.
Income limits rise for families, pregnant women, and children, with some counties offering coverage up to 322% FPL.
To see if your household qualifies, use our California Medi-Cal Income Limits Calculator 2026 for an instant eligibility check based on your family size and county.
Key Takeaways
- California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal
- Adults qualify up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Pregnant women and children often qualify for up to 200% FPL or more
- Some counties offer children’s coverage up to 322% FPL
- Asset limits returned January 1, 2026 for seniors and people with disabilities
- Undocumented adult enrollment frozen starting January 1, 2026
- Dental benefits end July 1, 2026 for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status
- $30 monthly premium starts July 1, 2027 for certain enrollees
Understanding Medi-Cal in California
Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid. It helps low-income residents pay for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Preventive care
- Mental health services
- Dental care
- Long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities
California has one of the largest and most inclusive Medicaid programs in the country, covering more than 15 million residents, or nearly 40% of the state’s population.
As of January 1, 2024, California expanded Medi-Cal to include all income-eligible residents, regardless of immigration status.
California Medi-Cal Income Limits 2026 by Household Size
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 138% FPL (Adults) | 200% FPL (Children/Pregnancy) | 322% FPL (Select Counties) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $31,300 | $50,393 |
| 2 person | $21,150 | $29,187 | $42,300 | $68,103 |
| 3 person | $26,650 | $36,777 | $53,300 | $85,813 |
| 4 person | $32,150 | $44,367 | $64,300 | $103,523 |
| 5 person | $37,650 | $51,957 | $75,300 | $121,233 |
| 6 person | $43,150 | $59,547 | $86,300 | $138,943 |
Important Note: These figures use the 2025 Federal Poverty Level because the 2026 FPL has not yet been released by HHS. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) typically implements updated FPL numbers by March-April each year. Until then, these income limits remain operational for Medi-Cal eligibility determinations.
Explanation:
- Adults qualify up to 138% FPL through MAGI Medi-Cal
- Children and pregnant women qualify at higher levels, usually 200% FPL or more
- In Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties, children can qualify up to 322% FPL
- Larger families have higher income thresholds to reflect higher living costs
Example: A single parent with two kids (3-person household) can earn up to about $36,777 and still qualify for adult coverage. In select counties, children in this family could qualify with a household income up to $85,813.
California Medi-Cal Income Limits 2026: Complete Eligibility Guide
⚠️ CRITICAL 2026 CHANGES:
- Asset limits reinstated: $130,000 (individual), $195,000 (couple) effective January 1, 2026
- Undocumented adult enrollment frozen: No new enrollment after December 31, 2025 (children and pregnant people exempt)
- Dental benefits ending: July 1, 2026 for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status
- Premium requirement coming: $30/month starting July 1, 2027 for certain enrollees
In 2026, a single adult in California can qualify for Medi-Cal if they earn about $21,597 per year or less—that’s 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Income limits rise for families, pregnant women, and children, with some counties offering coverage up to 322% FPL.
To see if your household qualifies, use our California Medi-Cal Income Limits Calculator 2026 for an instant eligibility check based on your family size and county.
Key Takeaways
- California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal
- Adults qualify up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Pregnant women and children often qualify for up to 200% FPL or more
- Some counties offer children’s coverage up to 322% FPL
- Asset limits returned January 1, 2026 for seniors and people with disabilities
- Undocumented adult enrollment frozen starting January 1, 2026
- Dental benefits end July 1, 2026 for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status
- $30 monthly premium starts July 1, 2027 for certain enrollees
Understanding Medi-Cal in California
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost coverage to low-income residents. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive screenings, dental care, mental health treatment, and long-term support for seniors and people with disabilities.
California has been a leader in Medicaid expansion. The state adopted expansion early under the Affordable Care Act, and in 2024, it extended Medi-Cal to all income-eligible residents, including undocumented adults. However, due to budget constraints, California reversed course in 2026 with significant coverage restrictions for undocumented adults.
With Medi-Cal covering more than 15 million Californians, it is the largest Medicaid program in the U.S. This scale means that more than one in three California residents rely on Medi-Cal for healthcare access.
California Medi-Cal Income Limits 2026 by Household Size
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 138% FPL (Adults) | 200% FPL (Children/Pregnancy) | 322% FPL (Select Counties) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $31,300 | $50,393 |
| 2 person | $21,150 | $29,187 | $42,300 | $68,103 |
| 3 person | $26,650 | $36,777 | $53,300 | $85,813 |
| 4 person | $32,150 | $44,367 | $64,300 | $103,523 |
| 5 person | $37,650 | $51,957 | $75,300 | $121,233 |
| 6 person | $43,150 | $59,547 | $86,300 | $138,943 |
Important Note: These figures use the 2025 Federal Poverty Level because the 2026 FPL has not yet been released by HHS. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) typically implements updated FPL numbers by March-April each year. Until then, these income limits remain operational for Medi-Cal eligibility determinations.
Explanation:
- Adults qualify up to 138% FPL through MAGI Medi-Cal
- Children and pregnant women qualify at higher levels, usually 200% FPL or more
- In Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties, children can qualify up to 322% FPL
- Larger families have higher income thresholds to reflect higher living costs
Example: A single parent with two kids (3-person household) can earn up to about $36,777 and still qualify for adult coverage. In select counties, children in this family could qualify with a household income up to $85,813.
Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal in California?
California uses a broad approach to eligibility, though 2026 brought significant changes for undocumented adults. Groups that may qualify include:
Adults without children: Covered up to 138% FPL under expansion through MAGI Medi-Cal.
Parents and caretakers: Covered at the same 138% FPL limit.
Children: Eligible up to 200% FPL statewide, with higher limits in certain counties:
- Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties: Up to 322% FPL
- Most other counties: Up to 266% FPL for some programs
Pregnant women: Eligible at higher limits for comprehensive maternity care, typically up to 200% FPL or more.
Seniors and people with disabilities: Covered under different rules, with both income and assets considered starting January 1, 2026. Non-MAGI programs may have different thresholds.
Undocumented residents (Major Changes for 2026):
- Through December 31, 2025: All low-income adults could apply for full-scope Medi-Cal
- Starting January 1, 2026: New enrollment frozen for adults 19+; only Emergency Medi-Cal available
- Children (0-18) and pregnant individuals: Can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status
- Current enrollees: Keep coverage if they renew on time annually
- Dental coverage: Ends July 1, 2026 for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status (emergency dental still covered)
- Premium requirement: $30/month starts July 1, 2027 for ages 19-59 with unsatisfactory immigration status
Critical 2026 Policy Changes
Asset Limits Reinstated (Effective January 1, 2026)
Starting January 1, 2026, California reinstated asset limits for certain Medi-Cal programs, marking a significant change after years of eliminating these restrictions.
New 2026 Asset Limits:
- Individual applicants: $130,000 in countable assets
- Married couples: $195,000 in countable assets
- Each additional member: $65,000
Who This Affects:
- Seniors applying for Medi-Cal
- People with disabilities
- Long-term care recipients
- Non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs
What Counts as Assets:
- Bank accounts and savings
- Stocks, bonds, and investments
- Second homes or rental properties
- Vehicles over certain limits
Exempt Assets:
- Primary residence
- One vehicle per person
- Personal belongings and household items
- Burial funds up to certain limits
Timeline for Current Beneficiaries:
- Current beneficiaries must report assets during their 2026 annual renewals
- Those exceeding limits may lose coverage unless they spend down assets
- Planning ahead is crucial for affected individuals
Undocumented Adult Coverage Restrictions
Enrollment Freeze (January 1, 2026):
California has frozen new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults 19+ due to budget constraints. Those who apply on or after January 1, 2026, can only access Emergency Medi-Cal or pregnancy-related coverage.
Application Deadline: Undocumented adults who needed full-scope coverage should have applied before December 31, 2025.
Protected Groups:
- Children ages 0-18: Can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal
- Pregnant individuals: Eligible for full-scope coverage during pregnancy plus one year postpartum
- Current enrollees: Keep coverage by completing annual renewals on time
Dental Benefits Eliminated (July 1, 2026):
Adults 19+ with unsatisfactory immigration status (including undocumented and recent green card holders) will lose dental benefits except for emergencies. Emergency dental care (severe pain, infections, tooth extractions) will still be covered. All other medical benefits continue. Children and pregnant/postpartum individuals keep full dental benefits.
Monthly Premiums Coming (July 1, 2027):
Adults ages 19-59 with unsatisfactory immigration status will pay $30/month to maintain coverage.
Exemptions from premium:
- Pregnant individuals
- People 60+ years old
- Children under 19
Enrollment Trends in California
California’s Medi-Cal program has seen major shifts:
- In 2023, Medi-Cal enrollment peaked during the COVID-19 continuous coverage protections
- As renewals resumed in 2023–2024, enrollment decreased slightly but still covers more than 15 million residents
- Medi-Cal now covers about 40% of California’s population, making it one of the most relied-upon public healthcare programs in the state
- The 2026 restrictions on undocumented adult enrollment are expected to reduce enrollment numbers compared to 2024-2025
These trends show that Medi-Cal continues to be central to California’s healthcare safety net, though eligibility rules have become more restrictive.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California
Applying for Medi-Cal in 2026 is straightforward:
Start your application: Apply online at Covered California or the Medi-Cal website
Check eligibility: Use the online screening tool to estimate your qualification
Gather required documents:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
- Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)
- Proof of California residency (lease, utility bill, or California ID)
- Proof of pregnancy or disability if applicable
- Immigration documents if applicable
- Asset documentation (for Non-MAGI programs starting in 2026)
Submit application: Online, by mail, or at your county social services office
Follow up: Update your information promptly if your income or household size changes
Asset reporting: Starting in 2026, certain applicants must report assets during renewals
Immigration status considerations: If you’re an undocumented adult 19+, understand that new applications after December 31, 2025 only qualify for Emergency Medi-Cal
Tip: Many county offices in California offer in-person support for immigrants and seniors who need help with the application process.
Share of Cost Program
If your income is above the regular Medi-Cal limits, you may still qualify through the Share of Cost program. This works like a deductible – you pay a monthly amount before Medi-Cal coverage begins. This option is particularly valuable for:
- Seniors with fixed incomes slightly above limits
- People with high medical expenses
- Individuals who need long-term care services
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify
If you don’t qualify for Medi-Cal, other programs may help:
Covered California Marketplace Plans: Subsidized health insurance plans with premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions that make coverage more affordable for middle-income families. Note that enhanced federal subsidies expired December 31, 2025, so premiums may be higher in 2026 compared to previous years.
Healthy Families Program (CHIP): Covers children whose families earn too much for Medi-Cal but still need assistance with healthcare costs.
Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers throughout California offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
County Health Programs: Some counties offer additional health coverage programs for residents who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) FAQs 2026
What is the maximum income for a single adult to qualify in California in 2026?
Can undocumented adults still apply for Medi-Cal in 2026?
What happens to undocumented adults already on Medi-Cal?
Will children and pregnant people lose coverage?
What about pregnant women in California?
How many Californians are on Medi-Cal?
What are the asset limits starting in 2026?
How often do Medi-Cal income limits change?
Where can I apply for Medi-Cal?
What is Emergency Medi-Cal?
Conclusion
Medi-Cal remains the backbone of healthcare access in California in 2026, covering millions of residents across all backgrounds. While income limits remain stable using 2025 FPL guidelines, major changes—like the return of asset limits and higher marketplace premiums—make understanding eligibility more important than ever.
If you think you may qualify, apply or renew as soon as possible. Even small delays or missed paperwork can result in coverage loss. Planning ahead for the 2026 rules can help you protect your healthcare and avoid unexpected costs.
