California Medi-Cal income limits (2026)

Last verified: June 2026

Medi-Cal income limits by coverage group (2026)

Medi-Cal income limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which HHS updates each January. California uses the current-year FPL for Medi-Cal eligibility — the figures below reflect the 2025 FPL base published by HHS and the 2026 income thresholds on the official DHCS eligibility chart (last updated May 18, 2026).

Source: DHCS Medi-Cal Eligibility Chart, last updated May 18, 2026; Covered California FPL Chart (DHCS ACWDL 26-01); California Health Advocates 2026 guide. Dollar figures are annual unless noted. MCAP is the Medi-Cal Access Program administered separately from standard Medi-Cal.

Adult Medi-Cal income limits by household size (2026)

The table below shows the DHCS 138% FPL income limits for standard adult Medi-Cal, effective for 2026 eligibility. Source: official DHCS Medi-Cal eligibility chart (dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/qualify/qualify-for-medi-cal-eligibility-chart/), last updated May 18, 2026.

Add $7,590/year per additional person above 8. Source: DHCS official income limit chart, May 2026. These figures reflect the 2025 HHS federal poverty guidelines applied at 138% FPL, which is how California sets its standard adult Medi-Cal threshold.

No asset test for most Medi-Cal — but limits returned for seniors

MAGI-based Medi-Cal — the program covering most adults 19–64, children, and pregnant individuals — has no asset test. A savings account, car, home, or investment portfolio does not disqualify you. This has been the rule since AB 133 took effect in July 2022.

The asset picture changed for other programs as of January 1, 2026. Per California Health Advocates, California reinstated asset/resource limits for non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs — primarily those serving seniors (65+), people with disabilities, nursing home residents, and certain others. The reinstated limit is $130,000 for an individual and $195,000 for a couple. SSI-linked Medi-Cal retains SSI's lower asset limit ($2,000 for an individual).

If you are a senior or person with a disability applying for Medi-Cal, ask the county eligibility worker whether you are being evaluated under MAGI or non-MAGI rules. The distinction determines whether assets are counted.

Income limits for pregnancy: Medi-Cal and MCAP

Pregnant individuals qualify for standard Medi-Cal up to 213% FPL. Above that threshold, California's Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) covers pregnancy-related care up to 322% FPL — a range most competing informational pages leave out. MCAP coverage includes prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. The unborn baby is counted as a household member in the income calculation.

As of the July 2026 dental benefit changes, pregnant members on Medi-Cal retain full dental coverage with no annual dollar cap — one of the protected groups exempt from the benefit cuts affecting other adults.

The Working Disabled Program and how disability income is counted

California's 250% Working Disabled Program (WDP) covers working Californians with disabilities at up to 250% FPL — $3,345/month for an individual as of 2026. The key detail most income-limit pages omit: disability income — SSDI, workers' compensation, state disability insurance, and private disability benefits — is excluded from the income calculation for WDP eligibility.

A person receiving $2,500/month in SSDI and $800/month in part-time wages could still qualify, because only the earned income counts. Verify current WDP income rules with DHCS or a Medi-Cal eligibility worker, as the program rules are updated periodically.

How Medicaid income limits work

Medi-Cal eligibility is tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which the Department of Health and Human Services updates each January. California sets its income limits as a percentage of FPL — so when FPL rises, the dollar thresholds for Medi-Cal also shift. The tables on this page use the 2025 HHS FPL base applied at each percentage, which is how DHCS calculates 2026 eligibility.

The Affordable Care Act introduced a standard income methodology called Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most Medi-Cal applicants. MAGI replaced older rules that counted assets alongside income. Under MAGI: no asset test, and a 5% FPL income disregard applies for most adults — meaning a "133% FPL" limit effectively covers people to 138%.

What counts as income under MAGI

MAGI is the income standard for most Medi-Cal applicants — children, adults under 65, pregnant individuals, and parents. Here's what DHCS counts and what it doesn't:

The WDP (Working Disabled Program at 250% FPL) also excludes disability income — SSDI, state disability, and private disability benefits — from the income calculation. See the Working Disabled Program section above.

Asset limits: MAGI vs. long-term care Medi-Cal

Exempt assets (not counted in any category): primary home while applicant or spouse lives there, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid funeral arrangements. See the seniors and long-term care page for LTC-specific rules.