Medi-Cal in California: 2026 Eligibility and How to Apply
California has adopted Medicaid expansion. The adult expansion route has income, age, Medicare-related and other requirements; the agency checks which category fits. Children, pregnancy, disability, and older age have separate coverage routes. Start with the category that fits the person applying.
An income figure is a starting point, not approval. Ask the agency to check the right category for each person. A parent and a child in the same home can have different coverage results.
New applications and existing coverage can have different rules
Since January 1, 2026, new full-scope enrollment is restricted for some adults because of immigration status. People already covered may keep coverage if they renew on time and remain eligible. Exceptions include children under 19, pregnancy through one year after, and certain former foster youth under 26. Check the DHCS notice for the status-specific rules and any renewal deadline.
Source: DHCS: Medi-Cal changes and enrollment protections · Checked September 8, 2026.
Ask the county to check the relevant Medi-Cal rules
Medi-Cal uses different financial rules for the family/adult income route and some age, disability or long-term-care categories. Asset checks returned for certain categories in January 2026. Ask which rules apply to the person seeking coverage; the adult income table cannot answer that question.
State sources: DHCS: Medi-Cal changes and current member guidance · March 2026 Medi-Cal income chart · DHCS application choices and county route · Checked September 8, 2026.
The household is worked out for each applicant
For MAGI Medi-Cal, the county uses tax-filing relationships as a starting point, with separate rules for dependents and people who do not file. Two people at the same address can have different Medi-Cal households. Not filing taxes does not by itself bar this route. Do not copy a CalFresh household count or subtract CalFresh rent deductions from Medi-Cal income.
DHCS: MAGI household composition, pages 2–6
Who qualifies for Medicaid in California
Ask the agency to consider every relevant route:
- Adults ages 19–64: the expansion group, subject to income, Medicare status, residency, and other eligibility rules.
- Children: Medicaid or CHIP, with age-specific income rules.
- Pregnancy: a separate category, with its own income and coverage rules.
- Older adults, people with disabilities, and people who need long-term care: separate rules may consider assets as well as income.
Having a disability does not automatically mean only one coverage route is available. Ask the county which categories apply to the person.
2026 Medicaid income limits in California
For the adult expansion category, Covered California’s March 2026 chart publishes these Medi-Cal 138% FPL values. The monthly column uses DHCS program rounding, which differs from simply dividing the annual figure by 12.
| Program household size | DHCS monthly 138% FPL | Annual 138% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,490 | $29,864 |
| 3 | $3,143 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
Source: Covered California: 2026 program eligibility chart, using DHCS values · Checked September 8, 2026.
These are income references, not approval. California checks the applicable household, countable income, coverage category, and other conditions. Children, pregnancy, disability, older age, and long-term care have different rules. Some non-MAGI categories also have asset tests; do not use this adult expansion table for them.
Prepare the information the county requests
Keep together the names of the people applying, household relationships, current income records and information about existing health coverage. The county may need category-specific information. Ask what proof is needed and what it can accept if a document is missing. Send documents to the official service, not GetBenefits.
DHCS: health coverage application and preparation
How to apply for Medicaid in California
- Choose your application route. Use the DHCS application page to reach BenefitsCal, your county office or Covered California. Existing members should follow their county renewal notice and keep their contact details current. Open the official state guide.
- Apply any time. Medicaid applications are accepted year-round. Renewals and requests for documents have their own due dates.
- Prepare the information requested. Identify the people applying, their income and household relationships. Tell the agency about pregnancy, disability, Medicare or long-term-care needs. Provide citizenship or immigration details as requested for the people seeking coverage.
- Keep the confirmation and read the notice. Save a copy of what you send. Follow requests for more information and the decision notice. If you disagree with a decision, the notice explains how to ask for a review.
Source: Apply for Medicaid in California (official) — Medicaid.gov
Keep coverage: read the type of notice first
- Automatic renewal: if the notice says the county renewed coverage and no action is needed, keep the letter.
- Request for information: return the requested renewal form by its due date. BenefitsCal, mail, phone and the county office are listed renewal options.
- Coverage ended or a missed deadline: contact the county promptly and use the instructions on the notice. Do not assume a new application has the same protections as existing coverage.
DHCS: keeping Medi-Cal · DHCS: renewal submission options
Keep current rules separate from announced changes
This guide was reviewed on September 8, 2026. DHCS also lists changes with later start dates. A future date is not a rule already applied to your case. Before renewal, check the current DHCS update and your county’s notice; GetBenefits does not automatically apply future rules or schedule a renewal.
DHCS: changes and effective dates
Choose a California next step · Prepare a separate CalFresh application
Not sure where to start?
Choose one of eight programs for practical guidance and an official next step. Free, private, no sign-up.
Explore your next stepCommon questions
Did California expand Medicaid?
Yes. Medi-Cal includes the adult expansion category. Other eligibility rules still apply, and some new full-scope adult applications are restricted from January 1, 2026. Existing members and exempt groups have different protections; check the current DHCS notice.
What is the Medicaid income limit in California for 2026?
Covered California’s March 2026 chart lists a monthly 138% FPL value of $1,836 for one person and $3,795 for four for the adult expansion income reference. Different categories use different standards. The county must check the full Medi-Cal rules.
Does the adult income table cover long-term care?
No. Long-term-care and some age or disability categories have separate financial and care-need checks. Ask the county for the correct application and rules.
Does using Medicaid affect immigration status?
Return to this step later
You can use this guide without saving anything. If you choose, add this task to a list on this device; do not store documents or case details here.
Eligibility guidance reviewed September 8, 2026. Sources and reference periods are shown above. Confirm current category rules with the agency before applying.
Prepare for your Medi-Cal renewal
Read the notice before deciding which action to take. Check the person, program and response date; keep your contact details current. Use DHCS’s information-update route and the county office if you need help.
California’s announced six-month checks start in March 2027
DHCS announces more frequent checks from March 1, 2027 for some members in the ACA adult expansion group. Some categories continue annual renewal. Do not apply this schedule to every member or use the general date as your own deadline. DHCS: six-month eligibility checks and affected groups.
Other changes have different dates. For example, DHCS announces work-related rules for some adults from January 1, 2027, with exceptions. Ask the county which requirements and exceptions it is applying to your case. DHCS federal-impact timeline.
- List what is requested. Use the notice rather than a generic list of every document.
- Check the income period. If earnings changed, explain when and ask what proof is appropriate. Do not substitute a guessed figure.
- Submit through the stated channel. Keep your receipt and check whether anything remains outstanding.
- Follow up promptly if coverage ends or the notice is unclear. Ask the county about the reason, missing information and review options. Do not assume an old case can always reopen or that every person has the same remedy.
These questions help you prepare; they do not decide eligibility, preserve appeal rights or determine immigration consequences. Use the call-preparation guide. Reviewed September 9, 2026. Confirm the current rules and your own notice when acting.