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California Medicaid Eligibility

✓ Expansion State

Program: Medi-Cal

$1,732/mo/mo
Individual income limit
$3,575/mo/mo
Family of 4 income limit
138% FPL
FPL threshold

Key Facts for California

  • ✓Medi-Cal is one of the most comprehensive Medicaid programs in the country
  • ✓California expanded Medicaid in 2014
  • ✓Undocumented immigrants of all ages may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal
  • ✓No asset test for most applicants
  • ✓Apply online, by phone, or at your county social services office

What Medi-Cal Covers

✓ Doctor visits
✓ Hospital care
✓ Prescription drugs
✓ Mental health
✓ Dental
✓ Vision
✓ Long-term care
✓ Transportation

Who Qualifies in California?

Children
Most children under 19 qualify regardless of immigration status through CHIP or Medicaid.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women typically qualify at higher income limits than standard Medicaid in California.
Low-income adults
Adults 19–64 earning up to $1,732/mo/mo (138% FPL) qualify.
Seniors & disabled
Adults 65+ and people with disabilities may qualify through SSI-related Medicaid programs.

About Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program and the largest Medicaid program in the United States, covering more than 14 million Californians — roughly one in three residents. It provides free or very low-cost health coverage to children, families, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income adults. Because California expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and has gone further than federal minimums in several areas, Medi-Cal is also one of the most inclusive programs in the country: there is no asset test for most applicants, and full-scope coverage is available to income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status.

How to Apply for Medi-Cal: Step by Step

1
Check your eligibility
Confirm your household income falls under the Medi-Cal limit — about $1,732/month for an individual or $3,588/month for a family of four. Our free 60-second quiz gives you an instant estimate before you invest time in the full application.
2
Gather your documents
Collect proof of identity, California residency, income, and household size before you start. Having everything ready is the single biggest factor in a fast approval (see the document checklist below).
3
Submit your application
Apply online at BenefitsCal.com (the fastest route), through CoveredCA.com, by phone at (800) 300-1506, by mail, or in person at your county social services office. The online application takes most people 30–45 minutes.
4
Respond to county follow-ups
Your county office reviews your application and may request additional verification. Respond within the stated deadline — missed verification requests are the most common reason applications are denied.
5
Receive your decision and BIC card
Most applicants receive a decision within 45 days. Once approved, your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) arrives by mail, and you will choose a managed care plan for your county.

Documents You Need to Apply

  • ☐Social Security number (or immigration documents, if applicable)
  • ☐Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • ☐Proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
  • ☐Proof of income (last 30 days of pay stubs, or most recent tax return if self-employed)
  • ☐Proof of household size (birth certificates for dependents)
  • ☐Current health insurance information, if any

How Long Does Approval Take?

Standard Medi-Cal applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-related applications can take up to 90 days. Pregnant women may qualify for presumptive eligibility — temporary immediate coverage at the doctor's office while the full application is processed. Medi-Cal coverage can also be made retroactive up to three months before your application date if you had qualifying medical expenses.

California Medicaid FAQs

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in 2025?

For most adults, the Medi-Cal income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,732 per month for a single person or $3,588 per month for a family of four. Children, pregnant women, and some other groups qualify at higher income levels.

Can I get Medi-Cal if I have a job?

Yes. Eligibility is based on income, not employment status. Many working Californians qualify — a full-time worker earning up to roughly $10 per hour, or part-time workers at higher wages, often fall under the limit.

Does Medi-Cal check your immigration status?

California provides full-scope Medi-Cal to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status — one of the few states to do so. Applying for Medi-Cal does not affect most immigration applications under current public charge rules.

How long does Medi-Cal approval take in California?

Most applications are decided within 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. Pregnant women can often get temporary coverage the same day through presumptive eligibility.

Does Medi-Cal cover dental and vision?

Yes. Medi-Cal includes comprehensive dental coverage through the Medi-Cal Dental Program (formerly Denti-Cal) and vision coverage including eye exams and glasses — benefits many other states do not offer adults.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Medi-Cal is free or near-free coverage for lower-income residents. Covered California is the state marketplace for subsidized private plans for those who earn too much for Medi-Cal. When you apply through CoveredCA.com, the system automatically routes you to whichever program you qualify for.

Check your eligibility

Find out if you qualify for Medi-Cal in 60 seconds. Free, no obligation.

Check eligibility →

Apply directly in California

You can also apply directly through the state portal — though our enrollment specialists can help you navigate the process for free.

Apply at state portal →
✓ Medicaid Expansion State

California expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering more low-income adults.