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Medi-Cal (California Medicaid health coverage): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program: free or low-cost health coverage, with dental and vision care, for people whose income is under the limit for their group. This page carries the current income limits, the asset and immigration rules, the dated changes coming in 2027 with their official sources, and the application and renewal steps. Apply at BenefitsCal, through Covered California, or at the county office.

What Medi-Cal is, in one paragraph

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program: health coverage, with dental and vision care, often at little or no cost (rule:covers). The California Department of Health Care Services runs it, and each county handles applications, renewals and questions (rule:county_decides). Eligibility is decided mainly by income, and the limit differs by group: adults, children, and pregnant people each have their own line. People in one household can land in different programs. Applications are taken any time of year (rule:apply_any_time).

$1,836
the monthly income limit for one adult, 138% of the federal poverty level, in the 2026 Medi-Cal limits (DHCS figures on the Covered California chart, rule:adults_138)

Who may qualify

Income. Each person is tested against the line for their group (rule:per_person). Adults: 138% of the federal poverty level (rule:adults_138). Children 0 to 18: 266% (rule:children_266). Pregnancy: 213%, and the Medi-Cal Access Program from over 213% to 322% (rule:pregnancy_213, rule:mcap). Monthly limits for the 2026 Medi-Cal year:

Household sizeAdults, 138% FPL, per monthChildren, 266% FPL, per monthPregnancy, 213% FPL, per monthMCAP, 322% FPL, per month
1$1,836$3,538$2,833$4,283
2$2,490$4,799$3,843$5,809
3$3,143$6,057$4,851$7,332
4$3,795$7,315$5,858$8,855
5$4,450$8,576$6,868$10,382
6$5,102$9,835$7,875$11,905
7$5,755$11,093$8,883$13,428
8$6,409$12,354$9,892$14,954
each additional$655$1,261$1,010$1,527

Assets. From 1 January 2026 an asset limit applies again to people 65 and over, people with a disability and nursing-home residents: $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional member, up to 10; the home lived in does not count (rule:assets_2026). San Francisco's county page also lists, under changes starting 1 July 2027, asset limits of $21,000 for individuals, $31,000 for couples and $1,500 for each additional member (rule:assets_2027).

Immigration status. Children and pregnant people can enroll in full Medi-Cal regardless of status (rule:children_any_status). From 1 January 2026, adults 19 and older without a qualifying status can no longer newly enroll in full Medi-Cal; those already enrolled keep it if they renew (rule:immigrant_adults_2026). Emergency Medi-Cal is open to everyone (rule:emergency_any_status). The details are on State-only Medi-Cal for immigrants (California-funded coverage by immigration status, including pregnancy and emergency care): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next.

Coming changes. From 1 January 2027: work, school or community-service rules for adults 19 to 64 without an exemption (rule:work_rules_2027), and fewer months of past bills paid (rule:retro_2027). From 1 March 2027: renewal every six months for most adults 19 to 64 without children or a disability (rule:renewal_6_months_2027).

How to apply, and what happens after

Apply online at BenefitsCal, through Covered California, by phone, or in person at the county office. One application checks Medi-Cal and Covered California together. The county first tries to verify information electronically and asks for documents only if it cannot (rule:verify_electronic).

The county decides within 45 days, or 90 days when the application is based on a disability (rule:decision_45_90). A Notice of Action lists each person approved. A Benefits Identification Card follows, then a packet of health plans; a person who does not choose within 30 days is assigned one (rule:plan_choice_30).

Renewal is yearly. The county tries to renew without a form first; otherwise it mails a packet with a due date (rule:renewal_ex_parte). Coverage stopped for a missed renewal can be restored within 90 days by turning in the form and income proof, without a new application (rule:renewal_cure_90).

A person who disagrees with an eligibility action has 90 days to ask for a state hearing (rule:hearing_90). A dispute with a managed care plan goes to the plan first, within 60 days (rule:plan_appeal_60), then to a state hearing within 120 days of the plan's answer (rule:hearing_after_plan_120).

The procedure, stage by stage, as data
JSONThe procedure, stage by stage, as data
13 items
10 keys
"id""stage:discover"
"order"1
"name""Discover"
"what_happens""The person learns Medi-Cal is free or low-cost health coverage decided mainly by income, that children and pregnant people qualify regardless of immigration status, and that one application also checks Covered California"
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"timeline""Any time of year (rule:apply_any_time)"
"evidence""None"
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"automation_class""A - screening needs only a few facts"
10 keys
"id""stage:screen_eligibility"
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"what_happens""Each person is checked against the limit for their group: adults 138%, children 266%, pregnancy 213% and MCAP to 322% (rule:adults_138, rule:children_266, rule:pregnancy_213); the asset limit applies to people 65+, disabled or in a nursing home (rule:assets_2026)"
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"automation_class""A - every limit is a published table"
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"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""Before or after filing; the county asks for what it cannot verify electronically (rule:verify_electronic)"
"evidence""Pay stubs, tax information, SSNs, immigration papers, property and bank records for age/disability applicants (rule:property_for_aged_disabled)"
"failure_mode""Waiting to collect every paper before filing"
"model_role""Build the list for this household only"
"automation_class""B - the person holds the papers"
10 keys
"id""stage:complete_application"
"order"4
"name""Complete application"
"what_happens""One application covers Medi-Cal and Covered California"
"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""One sitting"
"evidence""Application answers for every household member"
"failure_mode""Leaving out household members who are not applying"
"model_role""Walk through the questions; list every member"
"automation_class""B - the person submits"
10 keys
"id""stage:submit"
"order"5
"name""Submit"
"what_happens""File online at BenefitsCal, by phone or in person at the county, or through Covered California"
"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""Any time of year (rule:apply_any_time)"
"evidence""Confirmation number"
"failure_mode""Not keeping the confirmation"
"model_role""Give the exact door and phone number"
"automation_class""B - the person submits"
10 keys
"id""stage:interview_verification"
"order"6
"name""Interview / verification"
"what_happens""The county verifies electronically and sends a Request for Information when it needs more"
"who_acts""County"
"timeline""Inside the 45/90-day decision window"
"evidence""Requested documents"
"failure_mode""Missing the Request for Information due date"
"model_role""Track the due date; list what is asked"
"automation_class""B - county request, person answers"
10 keys
"id""stage:decision"
"order"7
"name""Decision"
"what_happens""The county sends a Notice of Action naming each eligible person"
"who_acts""County"
"timeline""Up to 45 days; up to 90 days for disability-based applications (rule:decision_45_90)"
"evidence""Notice of Action"
"failure_mode""Not reading which members were approved and which were not"
"model_role""Read the notice per person; check it against the rules"
"automation_class""B - county decides"
10 keys
"id""stage:issuance_use"
"order"8
"name""Issuance / use"
"what_happens""A Benefits Identification Card arrives; the person picks a managed care plan or one is assigned after 30 days (rule:plan_choice_30)"
"who_acts""Person + state"
"timeline""30 days to choose a plan"
"evidence""Benefits Identification Card, plan packet"
"failure_mode""Being assigned a plan that does not include their doctor"
"model_role""Compare plans by the person’s doctors"
"automation_class""B - person chooses"
10 keys
"id""stage:report_changes"
"order"9
"name""Report changes"
"what_happens""Changes in income, address or household are reported to the county"
"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""UNKNOWN: no page read today states the reporting deadline"
"evidence""Change details"
"failure_mode""An unreported move that loses the renewal packet"
"model_role""Remind the person to update the address"
"automation_class""B - person reports"
10 keys
"id""stage:renew_recertify"
"order"10
"name""Renew / recertify"
"what_happens""Yearly renewal, tried first without a form; otherwise a packet with a due date (rule:renewal_ex_parte); from 1 March 2027 most adults 19-64 without children or disability renew every six months (rule:renewal_6_months_2027); from 1 January 2027 work rules apply to adults 19-64 without an exemption (rule:work_rules_2027)"
"who_acts""County + person"
"timeline""Yearly; every 6 months for most adults from 2027-03-01"
"evidence""Renewal form and income proof"
"failure_mode""A missed packet ends coverage"
"model_role""Track the renewal month; check work-rule exemptions"
"automation_class""B - often automatic"
10 keys
"id""stage:denial_response"
"order"11
"name""Denial response"
"what_happens""After a denial or a stop for a missed renewal, the person can turn in the renewal within 90 days without reapplying (rule:renewal_cure_90) or reapply"
"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""90 days after discontinuance"
"evidence""Renewal form, income proof"
"failure_mode""Reapplying from zero when the 90-day window was open"
"model_role""Name the cheaper path"
"automation_class""B"
10 keys
"id""stage:appeal_fair_hearing"
"order"12
"name""Appeal / fair hearing"
"what_happens""State hearing on eligibility actions (rule:hearing_90); plan decisions go to a plan appeal first (rule:plan_appeal_60), then a hearing (rule:hearing_after_plan_120)"
"who_acts""Person + CDSS State Hearings Division"
"timeline""90 days; plan appeal 60 days, then 120 days"
"evidence""Notice of Action or Notice of Appeal Resolution"
"failure_mode""Missing the 90-day line"
"model_role""State the deadline from the notice date; give the phone (rule:hearing_phone)"
"automation_class""B - the person files"
10 keys
"id""stage:overpayment_exit"
"order"13
"name""Overpayment / exit"
"what_happens""Coverage ends when eligibility ends or a renewal is not completed"
"who_acts""County"
"timeline""At renewal or on a change"
"evidence""Notice of Action"
"failure_mode""Losing coverage without a notice being read"
"model_role""Check the reason on the notice against the rules"
"automation_class""C - county action"

The same facts open other programs

Household size, monthly income, ages and immigration status are the facts Medi-Cal asks first. The same facts open:

References (13)
What this article shares with the graph
JSONWhat this article shares with the graph
6 keys
"program_id""B011"
"graph""california-benefits-graph"
"related_program_ids" 13 items
"B001"
"B012"
"B065"
"B070"
"B080"
"B073"
"B016"
"B013"
"B015"
"B018"
"B019"
"B021"
"B023"
"related_programs" 13 keys
"B001""CalFresh (SNAP)"
"B012""Covered California premium tax credits (APTC)"
"B065""Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) + vision (level: Federal/State; administrator: DHCS; graph url: https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov)"
"B070""Whole Person Care successor: CalAIM Enhanced Care Management + Community Supports (level: State/County; administrator: DHCS / Medi-Cal managed care plans; graph url: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/CalAIM)"
"B080""State-only Medi-Cal categories for immigrants (incl. pregnancy & emergency) (level: State; administrator: DHCS; graph url: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal)"
"B073""PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) (level: Federal/State; administrator: DHCS / PACE organizations; graph url: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal)"
"B016""Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) + CBAS (level: State; administrator: DHCS / local MSSP sites; graph url: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal)"
"B013""Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI / QDWI)"
"B015""In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)"
"B018""California Children's Services (CCS)"
"B019""Family PACT"
"B021""CalWORKs (California TANF)"
"B023""SSI + California SSP"
"triggered_by_events" 11 items
"event:job_loss_fired_laid_off_quit_with_cause"
"event:became_homeless_no_address_tonight"
"event:pregnancy_new_baby"
"event:job_related_injury_can_t_work_temporary"
"event:disability_becomes_long_term_permanent"
"event:senior_needs_care_at_home_aging_parent_own_decline"
"event:leaving_foster_care_18_21"
"event:release_from_incarceration"
"event:immigration_status_change_mixed_status_fear"
"event:divorce_separation_partner_leaves"
"event:child_ages_out_family_status_shifts_18th_birthday_aging_out_of_child_only_rules"
"shares_facts_with" 9 keys
"household.size" 5 items
"B001"
"B003"
"B021"
"B045"
"B049"
"household.income.monthly_gross" 7 items
"B001"
"B003"
"B021"
"B043"
"B044"
"B045"
"B060"
"household.composition.members[]" 2 items
"B001"
"B021"
"person.identity.date_of_birth" 4 items
"B001"
"B013"
"B023"
"B063"
"person.address.residential.state" 5 items
"B001"
"B021"
"B027"
"B043"
"B045"
"person.identity.citizenship" 3 items
"B001"
"B002"
"B080"
"person.identity.immigration_status" 4 items
"B001"
"B002"
"B024"
"B080"
"household.assets.liquid" 2 items
"B023"
"B024"
"benefits.currently_receiving[]" 4 items
"B001"
"B009"
"B043"
"B047"

Official addresses

References (6)
Related pages
Beside
Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) and vision (the dental and eye care that come with Medi-Cal): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextCalAIM Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports (care teams, housing help, meals and respite through the Medi-Cal health plan): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextState-only Medi-Cal for immigrants (California-funded coverage by immigration status, including pregnancy and emergency care): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextPACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly: all medical and social care from one team, at home instead of a nursing home): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextMSSP and CBAS (Medi-Cal care management for seniors and adult day health centers that keep people out of nursing homes): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextCovered California premium tax credits (federal help paying for a Covered California health plan): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextCalFresh (California food benefits): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next
References (28)
  1. Program Eligibility by Federal Poverty Level for 2027 (chart dated 10/2026): Medi-Cal monthly income limits — Covered California“Medi-Cal monthly values are provided above, for reference. Source: DHCS ACWDL 26-01”
  2. Program Eligibility by Federal Poverty Level for 2027 (chart dated 10/2026): the 138% note — Covered California“Most consumers up to 138% FPL will be eligible for Medi-Cal.”
  3. Medi-Cal | Covered California: adults — Covered California“Most adults qualify for Medi-Cal with household income up to 138% of the”
  4. Medi-Cal | Covered California: children — Covered California“Children qualify with household income up to 266% of the FPL.”
  5. Medi-Cal | Covered California: what it covers — Covered California“Medi-Cal covers health, dental and vision care for you and your children, often at little or no cost.”
  6. Medi-Cal | Covered California: when to apply — Covered California“You can apply any time of year.”
  7. Medi-Cal | Covered California: choosing a plan — Covered California“Medi-Cal will choose a health plan for you if you don’t choose one within 30 days.”
  8. Medi-Cal | Covered California: the county — Covered California“Your county handles your insurance and any questions about it.”
  9. Medi-Cal during pregnancy | Covered California: length of pregnancy coverage — Covered California“Pregnancy, plus 12 months after pregnancy ends”
  10. Medi-Cal during pregnancy | Covered California: MCAP — Covered California“Pregnant people whose income is too high for other Medi-Cal programs”
  11. Immigrants | Covered California: adults without qualifying status — Covered California“Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, adults without a qualifying immigration status can no longer enroll in full Medi-Cal.”
  12. Immigrants | Covered California: children — Covered California“Eligible for full Medi-Cal coverage regardless of immigration status.”
  13. Immigrants | Covered California: emergency Medi-Cal — Covered California“everyone can access emergency Medi-Cal for serious medical emergencies that require immediate care”
  14. Immigrants | Covered California: mixed-status families — Covered California“Each person’s eligibility is considered separately.”
  15. Apply for Medi-Cal | SFHSA: decision time — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“Eligibility can take up to 45 days to determine and up to 90 days if you apply based on a disability.”
  16. Apply for Medi-Cal | SFHSA: verification — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“SFHSA will try to verify your information electronically.”
  17. Apply for Medi-Cal | SFHSA: documents — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“for those applying on the basis of age (65+) or disability”
  18. Keep Medi-Cal | SFHSA: automatic renewal — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“We will try to renew your Medi-Cal without requiring you to fill out a renewal form.”
  19. Keep Medi-Cal | SFHSA: the 90-day cure period — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“You will have 90 days after your discontinuance to submit the renewal form and income verification documents without having to reapply.”
  20. Check Medi-Cal Eligibility | SFHSA: asset limit from 2026 — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“The asset limit for individuals will be $130,000 and $65,000 for”
  21. Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon | SFHSA: work rules from 1 January 2027 — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“will need to work, attend school, or do community service to keep their Medi-Cal.”
  22. Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon | SFHSA: past bills from 1 January 2027 — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills for adults ages 19-64 who don’t have children 18 or younger.”
  23. Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon | SFHSA: six-month renewals from 1 March 2027 — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“will need to renew their Medi-Cal twice a year instead of once.”
  24. Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon | SFHSA: asset limits listed under 1 July 2027 — San Francisco Human Services Agency (county Medi-Cal office)“$21,000 for individuals”
  25. Hearing Requests | CDSS: the 90 days — California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Division“you have 90 days to request a state hearing.”
  26. Hearing Requests | CDSS: plan appeal — California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Division“You have 60 calendar days from the date of the notice of action to file an appeal with the managed care plan.”
  27. Hearing Requests | CDSS: hearing after plan appeal — California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Division“you have 120 calendar days from the date of the plan’s Notice of Appeal Resolution to request a state hearing.”
  28. Hearing Requests | CDSS: phone — California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Division“Call the State Hearings Division toll free (800) 743-8525”