Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)

Medi-Cal is California's version of Medicaid. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to low-income Californians, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and mental health care. There are four ways to sign up: online through BenefitsCal, by mail, by phone through your county office, or in person at your county office. You can also apply through Covered California; one application checks your income and sends you to Medi-Cal when you qualify. For nearly all members in 2026, there is no monthly premium.

Adults qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. For 2026 that is $22,025 a year, or $1,836 a month, for one person, and $45,540 a year, or $3,795 a month, for a family of four. Children qualify at much higher incomes, up to 266 percent of poverty, which is $87,780 a year for a family of four. Pregnant people qualify up to 213 percent of poverty. Meeting an income line does not guarantee coverage; the county reviews your case.

California opened full Medi-Cal to income-eligible adults no matter their immigration status. That door is now more limited. Since January 1, 2026, adults who do not have Satisfactory Immigration Status can no longer newly enroll in full Medi-Cal. Adults who already had coverage keep it as long as they renew on time. Children ages 0 to 18 can still enroll regardless of immigration status. Pregnancy coverage is also unchanged: full coverage during pregnancy and for 12 months after, regardless of status. Everyone who is income-eligible still gets emergency Medi-Cal.

Two benefit rules changed in 2026. As of July 1, 2026, non-emergency dental ended for members 19 or older who are not pregnant and have Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. Emergency dental continues for everyone, and children and pregnant members keep full dental. The asset limit also came back. Since January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal again counts what you own for people 65 or older, people with disabilities, people in nursing homes, and others outside the income-only rules. The limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra household member, through June 30, 2027. Adults and children in the income-only group have no asset test.

Renew every year. Your county mails you a letter, and many members are renewed automatically. If you get a renewal form, respond by the date, or check your due date in BenefitsCal. If your coverage is denied or cut, you can ask for a state fair hearing within 90 days of your Notice of Action, online, by mail, by fax, or by calling (800) 743-8525. Your benefits can keep going during the appeal, called Aid Paid Pending, if you ask before the change takes effect or within 10 days of the notice.