California Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

This page provides general guidelines for the California Medicaid eligibility requirements. This is an assistance program that provides medical coverage for low-income people of all ages. The department that handles the Medicaid program is California Department of Health Services. The name of the state program is Medi-Cal. If you have questions or issues about the Medicaid application or the eligibility requirements, contact the California Medicaid office.


California Medicaid Overview

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program and the second largest source of health care coverage in the state, after employer-based coverage. Although it is widely known as the program that provides coverage for working families with low incomes, it is also an important source of federal funding for hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other providers. Restricted Medi-Cal is a program that provides assistance to immigrants awaiting legal status, the uninsured and others who seek coverage on an emergency-basis.


California Medicaid Eligibility Requirements - Non Income

Must be a California resident and have legal immigration status (exceptions granted for certain groups). People on Cash Assistance, Welfare, CalWorks or children leaving Foster Care at age 18 usually qualify automatically.


Documents Needed For California Medicaid Application


California Medicaid Benefits

Medi-Cal offers health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. Also offered are services for special health problems, like breast cancer, kidney problems, nursing home needs, and AIDS. If you are pregnant, Medi-Cal all pregnancy-related care (prenatal and delivery) are covered. Mothers are covered up to 60 days after delivery.


California Medicaid & CHIP Eligibility Levels

Below is the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) eligibility levels for California Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Eligibility Levels - By Percentage Of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Children Separate CHIP Pregnant Women Parents Other Adults
Yes
Age 0-1: 261%
Age 1-5: 261%
Age 6-18: 261%
N/A Medicaid: 20
CHIP: N/A
133% 133%

Eligibility Levels - Individual By Monthly Income

Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Children Separate CHIP Pregnant Women Parents Other Adults
Yes
Age 0-1: $2,538
Age 1-5: $2,538
Age 6-18: $2,538
N/A Medicaid: N/A
CHIP: N/A
$1,293 $1,293

Eligibility Levels - Family Of Two By Monthly Income

Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Children Separate CHIP Pregnant Women Parents Other Adults
Yes
Age 0-1: $3,421
Age 1-5: $3,421
Age 6-18: $3,421
N/A Medicaid: $2,727
CHIP: N/A
$1,743 $1,743

Eligibility Levels - Family Of Three By Monthly Income

Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Children Separate CHIP Pregnant Women Parents Other Adults
Yes
Age 0-1: $4,304
Age 1-5: $4,304
Age 6-18: $4,304
N/A Medicaid: $3,430
CHIP: N/A
$2,193 $2,193

Eligibility Levels - Family Of Four By Monthly Income

Medicaid Expansion Medicaid Children Separate CHIP Pregnant Women Parents Other Adults
Yes
Age 0-1: $5,187
Age 1-5: $5,187
Age 6-18: $5,187
N/A Medicaid: $4,134
CHIP: N/A
$2,643 $2,643