What is the Medi-Cal income limit for 2023?

For most adults in 2023, the maximum annual income to qualify for free Medi-Cal was generally 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which translated to roughly $21,597 for a single person or $44,367 for a family of four, though limits varied by age, disability, and household size, with higher income thresholds for pregnant individuals, children, and those needing specific programs like Aged, Blind & Disabled (A&D) Medi-Cal.

How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

As of January 1, 2026, California reinstated Medi-Cal asset limits for older adults (65+), people with disabilities, and those needing long-term care, setting the limit at $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member (up to 10 total). This brings back asset requirements previously removed, meaning you need to have assets below this limit to qualify for these specific Medi-Cal programs, requiring you to "spend down" excess savings on needs like medical bills, home repairs, or other allowable expenses to become eligible.
 

Who qualifies for free Medi-Cal in California?

Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in California?

California has several new medical laws effective in late 2025/early 2026, focusing on privacy (shielding reproductive health info), private equity oversight (restricting PE/hedge fund influence in physician practices via SB 351), Medi-Cal access (SB 530 improving provider directories), and prescription reporting (removing testosterone/mifepristone from CURES system by AB 82), alongside changes to Covered California subsidies and the return of Medi-Cal asset tests, impacting access and affordability. 

What happens if you make too much money for Medi-Cal?

What can I do if I make too much money for Medi-Cal? You may get a private health plan through Covered California. You could also get financial assistance. If you qualify, your local Medi-Cal office will share your information.

2023 Medi Cal Income Limits Increase Over 6%

What is the maximum income to qualify for Medi-Cal in 2025?

For 2025, Medi-Cal income limits generally follow Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines, with adults up to 138% FPL qualifying (around $21,597/year for one person), children and pregnant women often higher, and specific programs like SSI for the aged/disabled having different FPLs (e.g., 138% FPL for Aged & Disabled, with asset limits gone for most programs except SSI). Eligibility varies by category (adult, child, pregnant, disabled) and family size, with income thresholds increasing with family size. 

Is California Medicaid the same as Medi-Cal?

Yes, Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, meaning they are essentially the same thing, with Medi-Cal being the specific name for California's implementation of the federal Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for low-income residents. It's a joint state-federal program covering various groups like families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities, offering comprehensive healthcare services. 

What changes are coming to Medi-Cal in 2026?

Major Medi-Cal changes in 2026 include the reinstatement of asset limits for seniors and people with disabilities (Jan 1), an enrollment freeze for undocumented adults (Jan 1), and a significant reduction in dental coverage for some immigrants (July 1). Individuals already enrolled before Jan 1, 2026, can generally keep their full benefits if they renew on time, but new applicants face stricter asset rules and immigration-related coverage caps. 

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal in California?

Yes, Medi-Cal in California can require repayment from a deceased person's estate (Estate Recovery), but only for costs after age 55 or for permanent nursing home care, and not during a spouse's or minor/disabled child's lifetime. No repayment is owed if the person owned no assets at death, and recovery is waived for undue hardship. 

Can you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal in California?

While there are several ways to qualify for Medi-Cal, this section focuses only on Medi-Cal beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicare — individuals who are over a certain age and/or disabled. People who qualify for both Medicare and full Medi-Cal are known as “dual eligibles” or “Medi-Medis.”

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

An applicant for MC, CW, SSI/SSP, or RCA may be eligible to receive MC for any of the three (3) months immediately before the month of application. Any written request for retroactive coverage must be considered an application.

How is income determined for Medi-Cal?

To calculate your Medi-Cal income, you'll estimate your household's total Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the year, including wages, self-employment, Social Security, and other income, then compare it to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size (e.g., under 138% FPL for most adults), using resources like Covered California's charts for current limits. You'll report projected income when applying, adjusting as needed, and use documents like pay stubs or tax returns (Schedule C for self-employed) for verification. 

Is $100,000 considered low income in California?

Residents making an annual income of up to $109,700 who are living in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties are considered low income, according to the California Department of Housing & Community Development.

Can Medi-Cal see your bank account?

Yes, Medi-Cal can and does check bank accounts through automated systems (Asset Verification System) to verify financial eligibility, though rules changed in 2024, removing asset limits for most, but not all, programs; however, for Long-Term Care (LTC) or if you have a disability/are over 65, assets and bank balances are still reviewed, and you must report income accurately to avoid issues, as they can match your SSN to accounts for audits. 

What is the Medi-Cal $2000 limit?

Prior to July 2022, to qualify, older adults and people with disabilities had to have assets below $2,000 for full Medi-Cal and under $8,400 to be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), and had to prove their assets each year to remain eligible.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

Not Financially Eligible

Resources and income above the state limits may disqualify the applicant. Medicaid state guidelines may change from year to year depending on legislation, so it is important to regularly check updated limits or engage the services of a Medicaid planning specialist who can guide you with this.

How much money can I have in the bank for Medi-Cal in California?

As of late 2025, California Medi-Cal is reinstating asset limits for most beneficiaries, effective January 1, 2026, with a general limit of $130,000 for an individual and $65,000 for each additional household member (up to 10), while exceptions for some programs like SSI ($2,000/$3,000) and special accounts like CalABLE (up to $529,000) exist. You must report bank accounts as countable assets unless they are in a CalABLE account or meet spousal impoverishment rules.
 

Does Medi-Cal check tax returns?

To qualify for Medi-Cal, you must live in the state of California and meet certain rules. You must give income and tax filing status information for everyone who is in your family and is on your tax return. You also may need to give information about your property. You do not have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal.

What is the #1 cause of death in California?

The leading causes of death in California consistently remain Heart Disease, followed by Cancer, and then Accidents (Unintentional Injuries), with other major causes including Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease), Alzheimer's disease, and Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases, though COVID-19 also significantly impacted mortality rates in recent years. 

How much will Social Security take out for Medicare in 2026?

In 2026, most people will have $202.90 per month deducted from their Social Security check for Medicare Part B, an increase of $17.90 from 2025, with higher-income earners paying more (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - IRMAA). Part A (hospital) is premium-free for most, while some may pay for Part D (prescriptions) via their Social Security. 

Can I have both Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Yes, if you are Medicare eligible because you are over 65 or have a qualifying disability to get Medicare, and you have limited income to qualify for Medicaid, you can have both simultaneously. This is often referred to as dual eligibility or Medi-Medi coverage.

Which is better, Medi-Cal or Covered California?

Neither Covered California nor Medi-Cal is inherently "better"; they serve different needs, with Medi-Cal offering free or low-cost health coverage for low-income individuals (California's Medicaid) and Covered California being the marketplace for private plans, often with financial help (tax credits) for those with higher incomes, though both provide essential health benefits and share a single application process to determine eligibility. Your "better" choice depends on your income and circumstances, as the application automatically routes you to the program you qualify for, potentially even offering options from both, with Medi-Cal being for limited incomes and Covered California for others needing subsidies or full-price plans. 

What counts as income for Medi-Cal?

For Medi-Cal, countable income generally includes most money you receive, like wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, pensions, unemployment, and investment income, often calculated using your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return, but some benefits like certain disability payments (SSDI before retirement age, Workers' Comp) may not count, while "income-in-kind" (free housing/utilities) and lump-sum payments are also factored in.