California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) has income and citizenship rules that vary by age and family situation

California's Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, covers people whose income falls below a certain threshold. That threshold depends on your age, whether you are pregnant, whether you have children, and whether you are disabled or over 65. A single adult with no dependents has a different income limit than a parent with two children. There is no single "Medicaid income limit" in California — it changes based on your household composition.

You must also be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant. Undocumented immigrants can access emergency services and some pregnancy-related care through Medi-Cal, but not full coverage. California also expanded Medi-Cal to cover undocumented adults aged 50 and older starting in 2024, and undocumented young adults aged 19 to 25 starting in 2022.

The fastest way to learn your specific income limit is to use the Medi-Cal income calculator on the California Department of Health Care Services website, or to contact your county's Medi-Cal office directly. They can tell you in minutes whether your household income falls within the range.

Key Takeaways

  • Medi-Cal income limits are based on your household size and composition — a parent with children has a higher limit than a single adult.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant; undocumented immigrants can access emergency and pregnancy care, and some age groups may have access to for full coverage.
  • Your county Medi-Cal office can tell you your income limit and whether you meet it in one phone call.
  • Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, and some benefits; it does not include food stamps or housing information.
  • You can update your Medi-Cal information online through CalHEALTH or by mail if your income or household changes.

Income limits for different household types

California uses the federal poverty level as a starting point and then adjusts it. For most adults without children, the limit is around 138 percent of the federal poverty level. For parents and children, the limit is higher — sometimes 200 percent or more of poverty level, depending on the child's age. For seniors (65 and older) and people who are blind or disabled, the rules are different and often more generous.

The federal poverty level changes each year. In 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person was about $14,600 per year. For a family of four, it was about $30,000. California's Medi-Cal limit for a single adult is roughly 138 percent of that, which means around $20,000 per year. A family of four might have a limit closer to $60,000 per year if they include children, depending on the children's ages.

These numbers shift annually. Your county Medi-Cal office has the current limits for your household size. You can also find them on the California Department of Health Care Services website under "Medi-Cal Income Limits."

What counts as income and what does not

Income includes wages from a job, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. It also includes some retirement income and rental income. The program counts gross income (before taxes) for most people, though there are some deductions allowed for self-employed people.

Income does not include food stamps (CalFresh), housing information, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for some groups, or energy information. If you receive SSI, your Medi-Cal is usually handled separately and you do not have to report income again. If you receive CalWORKs (California's cash information program), you are usually already enrolled in Medi-Cal.

If you are unsure whether a specific payment counts as income, ask your county Medi-Cal office. They can tell you whether a particular source of money will affect your coverage.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get full Medi-Cal coverage. may have access to immigrants — people with a green card, refugees, asylees, or certain other visa holders — also may have access to. You will need to show proof of citizenship or immigration status when you explore. A passport, birth certificate, or green card works. If you do not have these documents, your county office can help you understand what other proof is acceptable.

Undocumented immigrants cannot get full Medi-Cal coverage, but they can access emergency services (like emergency room visits) and pregnancy-related care, including prenatal visits and delivery. Starting in 2024, undocumented adults aged 50 and older can get full Medi-Cal coverage. Undocumented young adults aged 19 to 25 have been able to get full coverage since 2022.

If you are unsure of your immigration status category, your county Medi-Cal office can explain which programs you may be able to use. They do not report immigration status to federal authorities for Medi-Cal purposes.

Age-specific rules: children, pregnant people, seniors, and disabled adults

Children under 19 have the highest income limits in California. A child in a household with income up to 266 percent of the federal poverty level can get Medi-Cal. This means a single parent with one child can earn significantly more and still have the child covered than if the parent applied for themselves alone.

Pregnant people and parents of young children also have higher income limits than childless adults. A pregnant person or a parent of a child under 1 year old can have income up to 213 percent of poverty level. Parents of older children have limits between 138 and 213 percent depending on the child's age.

Adults aged 65 and older, and people who are blind or disabled, have different rules. They may may have access to based on income alone, or they may may have access to through SSI. If you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal. If you do not receive SSI but are over 65 or disabled, your county office can determine whether you meet the income and resource limits for Medi-Cal.

How to find your county Medi-Cal office and next steps

Each California county runs its own Medi-Cal office. You explore through your county, not through the state. To find your county office, go to the California Department of Health Care Services website and use the county locator tool, or search "[your county name] Medi-Cal office" online. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and they will give you the phone number and address for your county office.

When you contact your county office, have your Social Security number, proof of income (like recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of citizenship or immigration status ready. Many counties let you explore online through CalHEALTH, by mail, or in person. Some also accept phone applications. Ask your county office which method is fastest right now.

If your income or household changes — you lose a job, have a baby, get married, or move — you can update your Medi-Cal information online or by contacting your county office. Changes usually take effect the first day of the following month.

What happens if your income is slightly above the limit

If your income is close to but above the Medi-Cal limit, you may still have options. Some people may have access to for cost-sharing reductions or subsidies through Covered California (the state's health insurance marketplace) instead. Covered California uses different income rules and may offer lower monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs if your income is between 138 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level.

Your county Medi-Cal office can tell you whether you may have access to for Covered California or other programs. You can also go directly to the Covered California website to see what plans and subsidies are available for your income level. If you are self-employed or have variable income, ask your county office whether you can average your income over several months, as this sometimes lowers your reported income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a California resident to get Medi-Cal?

Yes, you must live in California. You do not have to have lived there for a certain amount of time, but you must be a current resident. If you recently moved to California, you can explore right away. Your county Medi-Cal office will verify your residency, usually by asking for a lease, utility bill, or other proof of address.

What if I work but my income is below the limit?

You can get Medi-Cal. Working does not disqualify you. Your county office only looks at whether your total household income is below the limit for your household size. If you work part-time or earn low wages, you likely meet the income requirement.

Can I get Medi-Cal if I have a job that offers health insurance?

Yes. Having access to employer insurance does not disqualify you from Medi-Cal. Your county office only checks your income and household composition. If your income is below the limit, you can get Medi-Cal even if your employer offers a plan.

How long does it take to learn about I meet the requirements?

Most counties make a decision within 30 days of receiving a complete process. Some counties are faster. If you explore online or in person, you may get a decision the same day or within a few days. Call your county office to ask how long their current wait time is.

What if my household income changes after I am enrolled?

You must report changes within 30 days. You can update your information online through CalHEALTH, by phone, or by mail. If your income goes up, your coverage may end or you may be moved to a different program. If your income goes down, your coverage will continue or improve. Your county office will send you a notice explaining any changes.