California Medicaid (Medi-Cal)

Last verified: June 2026

What is Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program?

Medi-Cal is California's name for Medicaid, the joint federal-state health coverage program for people with low to moderate incomes. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers Medi-Cal. As of February 2026, approximately 12.4 million Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal and the Children's Health Insurance Program combined, per CMS enrollment data — roughly one in three state residents.

California expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Most adults ages 19–64 whose household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify. Children are covered up to 266% FPL. Pregnant individuals qualify up to 213% FPL, with the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) extending coverage from 213% to 322% FPL. Unlike many states, California applies these income rules regardless of immigration status for most coverage groups — though new restrictions took effect January 1, 2026 (see policy changes section below).

MAGI-based Medi-Cal has no asset test. Savings accounts, a car, and a home do not disqualify an applicant from the standard income-based program. Long-term care programs for seniors and people with disabilities have separate rules, including an asset limit that was reinstated January 1, 2026.

How Medi-Cal works: managed care and county offices

Most Medi-Cal enrollees receive care through managed care plans — health plans under contract with DHCS that coordinate medical, mental health, and other services. Plans operating in California include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield Promise, Health Net, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal, among others. The plans available to an enrollee depend on their county of residence.

Applications are processed through California's 58 county social services offices, not through a centralized state office. Eligibility workers at each county review applications and issue decisions. This county-based structure means wait times, local office hours, and available assistance programs vary by county.

The online application portal is BenefitsCal. Mixed-household families — where some members qualify for Medi-Cal and others don't — can apply through Covered California, which routes household members to the appropriate program.

Recent and upcoming Medi-Cal changes

Several significant Medi-Cal changes took effect in 2025 and 2026, and more are scheduled. Keep these in mind when reviewing eligibility or coverage details on this or any other informational site.

Medi-Cal topics

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?

California expanded Medicaid under the ACA and has some of the broadest eligibility in the country. The income limits below are California's 2026 figures — most other states use the same 138% FPL floor for adults, but California's limits for children and pregnant individuals are higher than most.

MAGI-based Medi-Cal has no asset test. Seniors and people with disabilities in non-MAGI programs face a $130,000 individual / $195,000 couple asset limit reinstated January 1, 2026. See income limits for full household size tables.

What Medi-Cal covers

Medi-Cal covers a broad set of health services. Federal law mandates the services below in every state; California also covers additional optional benefits — dental, vision, and long-term home care — that not all states provide.

• Doctor visits, specialist referrals, and preventive care
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Emergency room and urgent care services
• Prescription drugs covered by the Medi-Cal formulary
• Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
• Dental care through Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) — $1,800/year adult cap; no cap for children under 21
• Vision care — eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses when medically necessary
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for eligible seniors and people with disabilities
• Laboratory, imaging, and diagnostic services
• Family planning services with no cost-sharing

Coverage details are in the national benefits overview. For the current Medi-Cal benefit package, check DHCS.ca.gov.