Last Updated: September 1, 2026
2026 Medi-Cal Income Limits by Household Size: Official California FPL Guidelines
If you are applying for Medi-Cal in California, one of the first questions you may have is:
“How much can I earn and still qualify for Medi-Cal in 2026?”
There is no single Medi-Cal income limit that applies to everyone. Your income limit can depend on your age, household size, pregnancy status, eligibility category, disability status, Medicare or SSI status, and other program rules.
For many California adults ages 19–64, the 2026 MAGI Medi-Cal income standard is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For one person, that is approximately $1,836 per month or $22,025 per year. Children and pregnant individuals may qualify at significantly higher income levels.
The income figures in this guide are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Level calculation charts published by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
2026 Medi-Cal Income Limits at a Glance
The infographic above compares several important 2026 Medi-Cal income standards, including adult MAGI Medi-Cal, certain children's Medi-Cal categories, pregnancy-related Medi-Cal, and the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP).
These income percentages do not apply to every Medi-Cal applicant. The correct income standard depends on the eligibility category that applies to each person.
1. Adults Ages 19–64 — 138% FPL
For many adults ages 19 through 64 who are evaluated under MAGI Medi-Cal rules, the commonly used income standard is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,490 | $29,864 |
| 3 | $3,143 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,450 | $53,379 |
| 6 | $5,102 | $61,217 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,056 |
| 8 | $6,409 | $76,894 |
Add approximately $655 per month or $7,839 per year at the 138% FPL level.
Example: Household of Four
For a household of four, the 2026 adult MAGI reference amount at 138% FPL is $3,795 per month or $45,540 per year.
However, being above this adult income amount does not automatically mean that every person in the household is ineligible for Medi-Cal. Children and pregnant individuals may be evaluated under higher income standards.
2. Children — Certain Categories Up to 266% FPL
Children can qualify for Medi-Cal at income levels that are significantly higher than the general adult MAGI level. Certain children's Medi-Cal categories use an income standard as high as 266% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income — 266% FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,538 |
| 2 | $4,799 |
| 3 | $6,057 |
| 4 | $7,315 |
| 5 | $8,576 |
| 6 | $9,834 |
| 7 | $11,092 |
| 8 | $12,351 |
A parent may be above the general adult Medi-Cal income standard while a child in the same household may still qualify for Medi-Cal.
3. Pregnancy-Related Medi-Cal — 213% FPL
Pregnancy-related Medi-Cal uses higher income standards than the general adult MAGI category. An important 2026 reference level is 213% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income — 213% FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,833 |
| 2 | $3,843 |
| 3 | $4,851 |
| 4 | $5,858 |
| 5 | $6,868 |
| 6 | $7,875 |
| 7 | $8,883 |
| 8 | $9,892 |
Pregnancy can also affect how household size is calculated. Therefore, this table should be used as a reference and not as a final Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
4. MCAP — Above 213% Through 322% FPL
California also offers the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) for certain pregnant individuals whose household income is above the pregnancy-related Medi-Cal level but still falls within the MCAP income range.
| MCAP Family Size | 213% FPL | 322% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $3,843 | $5,809 |
| 3 | $4,851 | $7,332 |
| 4 | $5,858 | $8,855 |
| 5 | $6,868 | $10,382 |
| 6 | $7,875 | $11,905 |
| 7 | $8,883 | $13,428 |
| 8 | $9,892 | $14,954 |
For MCAP purposes, a pregnant person is counted as two family members.
Why Is There More Than One Medi-Cal Income Limit?
A common mistake is assuming that 138% FPL is the Medi-Cal income limit for everyone.
It is not.
Different Medi-Cal programs and eligibility categories can use different income standards. Children and pregnant individuals, for example, can often qualify at higher household income levels than many adults.
Different rules may also apply to seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare beneficiaries, SSI recipients, long-term care applicants, and other Non-MAGI Medi-Cal applicants.
Does Medi-Cal Use My Take-Home Pay?
Not necessarily.
MAGI stands for Modified Adjusted Gross Income. MAGI Medi-Cal generally relies on federal tax-based income concepts and applicable adjustments.
Your take-home pay after taxes and payroll deductions is not necessarily the same as the income Medi-Cal uses to determine MAGI eligibility.
If your income is close to an eligibility limit, do not automatically assume that you are ineligible simply by looking at the amount deposited into your bank account.
Example: Parents and Children May Get Different Results
Suppose a California household has two parents and two children.
The household income may be too high for the parents under the general adult 138% FPL MAGI category. However, the children may still qualify because certain children's Medi-Cal categories have significantly higher income standards.
Children → May qualify for Medi-Cal
Parents → May qualify for Covered California financial assistance
This can happen because eligibility is evaluated separately for individual household members.
What If My Income Is Above the Adult Medi-Cal Limit?
Do not automatically assume that no health coverage assistance is available.
Depending on your circumstances, you may still qualify for another Medi-Cal category, children's Medi-Cal, pregnancy-related Medi-Cal, MCAP, a Medicare Savings Program, Covered California financial assistance, or another California health coverage program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the 2026 Medi-Cal Income Limit for One Adult?
For many adults ages 19–64 evaluated under the 138% FPL MAGI category, the 2026 reference amount is $1,836 per month or $22,025 per year.
This is not a universal Medi-Cal income limit for every applicant.
What Is the Adult Income Amount for a Household of Four?
At 138% FPL, the 2026 reference amount for a household of four is $3,795 per month or $45,540 per year.
Can My Child Qualify if I Make Too Much for Adult Medi-Cal?
Possibly. Certain children's Medi-Cal categories use higher income standards, including levels up to 266% FPL.
Can a Pregnant Person Qualify Above the Adult Medi-Cal Income Limit?
Yes. Pregnancy-related Medi-Cal uses higher income standards, and MCAP may also be available for certain pregnant individuals with higher household income.
Does Medi-Cal Simply Use My Net Paycheck?
No. For MAGI Medi-Cal, the calculation is not simply based on the amount of take-home pay remaining after taxes and payroll deductions.
Before You Decide That You Are Over the Income Limit
- Confirm your Medi-Cal household size.
- Check the age of each person applying.
- Review current and expected income.
- Confirm tax filing relationships.
- Consider pregnancy status.
- Check whether children are applying.
- Consider disability, Medicare, or SSI status.
- Determine which Medi-Cal eligibility category applies.
California Benefits Guide Tip
Do not ask only:
“What is the Medi-Cal income limit?”
A better question is:
“Which Medi-Cal income limit applies to this person?”
A child, adult, pregnant individual, senior, or person with a disability may be evaluated under different rules even when everyone lives in the same household.
Official Sources
The income figures in this article are based on official 2026 guidance and Federal Poverty Level calculation charts published by the California Department of Health Care Services.
- DHCS — 2026 FPL Calculation Chart: Monthly Values
- DHCS — 2026 FPL Calculation Chart: Annual Values
- BenefitsCal
- Covered California
California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Covered California, BenefitsCal, any county agency, or the U.S. government. This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is not an official Medi-Cal eligibility determination, legal advice, or tax advice. Medi-Cal eligibility depends on individual circumstances, and program rules may change. Always verify current information with the appropriate government agency.