Medicaid

California Medicaid eligibility

California expanded Medicaid. Adults 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 133% of the federal poverty level, about $1,768 a month for one person in 2026.

Source: Medicaid.gov: Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program Eligibility Levels (state decisions as of 2023-12-01, read 2026-10-23), as of December 1, 2023.

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Rivvi drafts a plain-English note from the medicaid.gov table, with the source linked.

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Quick facts

ACA expansion
Yes
Adults 19 to 64
133% FPL
Parents
109% FPL
Pregnant women
208% FPL
Children 6 to 18
261% FPL

California income limits by group

California Medicaid and CHIP income standards as a percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), medicaid.gov, state decisions as of 2023-12-01. Monthly amount for a household of 1 computed by Rivvi from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines.
GroupIncome limitMonthly, household of 1 (2026)
Adults 19 to 64 (expansion group)133% FPL$1,768
Parents and caretaker relatives109% FPL$1,449
Pregnant women (Medicaid)208% FPL$2,766
Pregnant women (CHIP)No separate program
Children under 1 (Medicaid)261% FPL$3,471
Children 1 to 5 (Medicaid)261% FPL$3,471
Children 6 to 18 (Medicaid)261% FPL$3,471
Children (separate CHIP)See note 6

Medicaid.gov notes that MAGI rules generally adjust income by an amount equal to a 5% FPL disregard, so a person can qualify with income about 5 percentage points of FPL above the standard shown. Other rules apply too, such as citizenship, immigration status, and state residency. The state agency makes the decision.

California limits for households of 1 to 8

Notes from medicaid.gov

  • The Separate CHIP in California covers certain children up to age 2 with incomes up to 317% of the FPL statewide; and it covers children up to age 19 also up to 317% of the FPL in three counties only.

Related pages

Questions

Who qualifies for Medicaid in California?

California expanded Medicaid. Adults 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 133% of the federal poverty level, about $1,768 a month for one person in 2026.

Did California expand Medicaid?

Yes. Medicaid.gov lists California's adult expansion group at 133% FPL.

How do I apply for Medicaid in California?

Apply any time through the state Medicaid agency or with a HealthCare.gov Marketplace application, which sends your information to the state if you may qualify.

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