Medicaid California (Medi-Cal): Eligibility, Application & Benefits Guide

The Medi-Cal program is California's Medicaid program, and as of early 2026, provides coverage to over 14 million people in California. Medi-Cal is a state-funded health coverage expansion that is administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and provides coverage for children, pregnant women, working-age adults, seniors, people with disabilities, and some documented and undocumented residents. Major changes to the Medi-Cal eligibility rules are coming in 2026 that could impact eligibility for beneficiaries more than they have in over a decade. The unlimited asset window (2024-2025) was eliminated and asset limits were reinstated at $130,000 single ($195,000 couple) for older adults and people with disabilities starting on January 1, 2026. The 30-year prior look-back period for long-term care was also reinstated. New enrollment freeze on some undocumented adults age 19+ in effect. For 2026, adults qualify for Medi-Cal based on their income limit of 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is 1886 per month or 22025 per year for a single person.

This guide explains what Medi-Cal is, the changes that will happen in 2026, the process to apply for Medi-Cal, and the benefits it will provide. Data is from the California Department of Health Care Services, BenefitsCal, and California county social services agencies.

2026 Medi-Cal eligibility by category

Eligibility is divided into various categories and each has its own set of rules with Medi-Cal. Most adults, children, parents, pregnant women, and ACA expansion adults are eligible for the MAGI Medi-Cal pathway. There is no asset test for MAGI and the Modified Adjusted Gross Income calculation is used.

In 2026, the income eligibility thresholds for adults (ages 19-64) are 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which amounts to $22,025 per year or $1,836 per month for a single person. Children in the 0-18 age range qualify at higher income levels (up to 266% FPL), which works out to be around $87,780 for a family of four per year. Pregnant women are covered at 215% FPL and coverage lasts throughout the pregnancy and for 12 months after birth.

The Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) program is for seniors 65 years and older, and disabled adults who are not eligible for SSI. The income limit for A&D FPL is approximately $1,800 per month (calculated using the most recent DHCS income limit charts, which are available on the DHCS website).

If an individual requires nursing facility care, then this is where long-term care Medi-Cal comes into play. The new income limit is based on the federal standard of $2,982/month. The Working Disabled Program (250% WDP) is a program that allows disabled individuals to qualify for Medi-Cal if they participate in work activities (but not necessarily employment) up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $3,260 per month in 2026).

For broader Medicaid qualification rules, see our pillar guide.

The 2026 asset limit reinstatement

The biggest impact to Medi-Cal in 2026 is the return of asset limits to non-MAGI programs. During 2024-2025, Medi-Cal coverage would be available to Californians regardless of assets. This window is closed on 1st Jan 2026.

The new asset limit is $130,000 for one person, $195,000 for a couple, $65,000 for each additional family member, up to a maximum of 10. Applies to senior citizens 65+, the blind or disabled, long-term care applicants, Medicare Savings Programs, Share of Cost, and 250% Working Disabled Program participants.

The unlimited asset window is over for 2024-2025. The new limit will apply to current enrollees during their first annual renewal in 2026 or if their circumstances change earlier. For newly applying seniors and disabled adults, assets will be reported when they apply. If a person is over the $130,000 limit, he/she would not be eligible for non-MAGI Medi-Cal.

Note: this change does NOT impact MAGI Medi-Cal. Even when an adult (19-64 years), children or pregnant persons have savings, they will still not be subject to an asset test. Reinstated asset limit is only for non-MAGI programs that help seniors and people with disability.

The new definition of assets: bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, second properties and easily-accessed retirement accounts. Exempt assets are those such as your main residence (where you live), one car, household items, irrevocable funeral trusts and some life insurance. If an account is in payout mode (RMD), then only the income is considered, not the principal.

Assets were not considered during that time so any transfers made between 1/01/2024 and 12/31/2025 will NOT count against you for 2026 renewals.

For Medicaid spend-down strategies and planning, see our dedicated guides.

Medi-Cal benefits and coverage

Medi-Cal covers doctors' visits, hospitalizations, prescription drug costs, mental health care, dental care (for most enrollees), vision care, hearing aids, durable medical equipment, home health services, long-term care and much more. The scope of coverage is one of the largest for any state Medicaid plan.

The majority of Medi-Cal enrollees are enrolled in managed care plans. Depending on which county you live in, the large managed care plans offered under Medi-Cal include the following: L.A. care Health Plan, Health Net Community Solutions, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield Promise, Molina Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente. A selection of a plan is required within 30 days of approval or one will be assigned to you.

Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) benefits are very comprehensive, including preventive services, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and dentures for adult beneficiaries. California is one of the more generous states in terms of Medicaid coverage for dental services.

Long-term care includes nursing home care, particular assisted living facilities, in-home supportive services (IHSS), Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and some waivers of Home and Community Based Services.

Share of Cost program

California's Share of Cost (SOC) program is unique among state Medicaid programs. Individuals with income above standard Medi-Cal limits but below specific thresholds can still qualify for Medi-Cal benefits by meeting a monthly "share of cost" equivalent to a deductible.

Unlike a traditional insurance deductible, Share of Cost resets monthly. The first $600 of monthly income is protected for basic living expenses. Income above $600 may be applied toward Share of Cost. After spending the calculated SOC amount on medical expenses each month, Medi-Cal covers remaining medical costs for that month.

Share of Cost has no annual cap. Someone with even modestly above-threshold income could be required to pay a significant portion of their income toward medical expenses before Medi-Cal coverage activates each month. This is one reason Medi-Cal planning matters significantly for seniors with incomes between standard Medi-Cal limits and Medicare-only affordability.

How to apply for Medi-Cal

Three primary application pathways serve different populations.

The BenefitsCal portal at benefitscal.com is the primary application route for most categories including children, pregnant individuals, parents, expansion adults, and Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) applicants. BenefitsCal accepts transfers from HealthCare.gov for applicants found eligible for Medi-Cal through the Covered California marketplace.

Covered California at coveredca.com automatically screens for Medi-Cal eligibility and routes eligible applicants to Medi-Cal without a separate application. This is often the easiest path for working-age adults.

By phone, call 1-800-541-5555 (DHCS) or your county Medi-Cal office. Los Angeles County DPSS provides 1-866-613-3777.

In person, visit your county Medi-Cal office or local social services agency. Many counties accept walk-in applications, while others require appointments.

Processing times for 2026 average 45 days for MAGI Medi-Cal applications and up to 90 days for non-MAGI applications (ABD, long-term care) requiring additional verification.

For state comparison, see our Medicaid Illinois and Medicaid Pennsylvania guides.

Other 2026 Medi-Cal changes

Beyond the asset limit reinstatement, several other changes affect Medi-Cal in 2026.

Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal stopped accepting new enrollments from undocumented adults age 19 and older who are not pregnant. This affects people who would have previously qualified under California's state-funded expansion programs. Undocumented adults who were approved for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026 can keep their coverage. Children ages 0-18 and pregnant individuals still qualify regardless of immigration status.

On July 1, 2026, dental coverage ends for some immigrants without satisfactory immigration status. On July 1, 2027, certain immigrants must pay a $30 monthly premium for Medi-Cal.

The 30-month look-back period for long-term care Medi-Cal is being phased back to the federal 60-month standard. The state's previous unique 30-month period is being reactivated as a transition before reaching the federal standard.