⚡ Key Takeaways
- 2026 Medi-Cal income limit for most OC adults is 138% FPL — about $21,597 for one person or $44,367 for a family of four.
- Children qualify at higher thresholds (up to 266% FPL); pregnant women up to 213% FPL.
- California eliminated the Medi-Cal asset test on January 1, 2024 — only income matters now.
- If you
- Seniors and disabled adults use separate non-MAGI rules; the A&D FPL program uses 138% FPL with generous income disregards.
Quick Answer (55-word AEO summary)
MAGI Income Rules
Sources: DHCS MAGI Medi-Cal
Non-MAGI Income Rules (Seniors & Disabled)
Sources: DHCS Non-MAGI Medi-Cal
2026 FPL Tables by Household Size
Asset Test: Eliminated in 2024
Sources: DHCS Asset Limit Elimination
What If You
Share-of-Cost Medi-Cal
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medi-Cal income limit for a single person in Orange County in 2026?
Approximately $21,597 per year (138% of the Federal Poverty Level) for an adult age 19–64 under MAGI rules. For seniors 65+ and disabled adults under the A&D FPL program, the limit is approximately $1,799 per month ($21,588/year). Children qualify at higher thresholds — up to 266% FPL.
What is the Medi-Cal income limit for a family of four in Orange County in 2026?
Approximately $44,367 per year (138% FPL) for the household under MAGI rules. If anyone in the household is pregnant, the limit rises to about $68,480 (213% FPL). Children under 19 in the household qualify up to $85,519 (266% FPL) even if the parents are over the adult limit.
Does Medi-Cal count my house or car as income?
No. Medi-Cal looks at income, not assets. Effective January 1, 2024, California eliminated the asset test entirely under AB 133. Your home, retirement accounts, savings, vehicles, and other assets do not affect eligibility for any Medi-Cal program in 2026.
Is the Medi-Cal income limit higher in Orange County because of the high cost of living?
No. Medi-Cal eligibility uses the same Federal Poverty Level statewide and nationwide (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). There is no Orange County, Los Angeles, or Bay Area cost-of-living adjustment. If your income exceeds the FPL threshold even slightly, you do not qualify for free Medi-Cal — but you likely qualify for substantial Covered California subsidies.
What income counts toward the Medi-Cal limit?
MAGI Medi-Cal counts: wages and self-employment income, Social Security benefits (including untaxed portions), pension/retirement income, unemployment, alimony received under pre-2019 agreements, interest and dividends, capital gains, and rental income. It excludes: SSI payments, child support received, gifts, scholarships used for tuition, and Veterans Affairs benefits.
If my income changes mid-year, do I lose Medi-Cal?
You must report income changes within 10 days. If your new income still falls within Medi-Cal limits, your coverage continues unchanged. If your income exceeds the limit, the county refers your case to Covered California, where you typically qualify for premium subsidies. There is no coverage gap if the transition is handled through the same application.
What is the difference between 138% FPL and 250% FPL for Medi-Cal?
138% FPL is the upper income limit for free, full-scope MAGI Medi-Cal for most adults. 250% FPL is the upper limit for the Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program (WDP), a special program for working disabled adults who pay a small monthly premium (typically $20–$250) for full Medi-Cal benefits. WDP allows higher income workers with disabilities to keep their Medi-Cal.