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Medi-Cal

One application checks your eligibility for both Medi-Cal and Covered California.

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health insurance to Californians with limited incomes. Medi-Cal and Covered California share the same application. The program you qualify for depends on your income, but both cover the same essential health benefits. Use Shop and Compare to see what you may qualify for.

Medi-Cal Benefits

Medi-Cal covers health, dental and vision care for you and your children, often at little or no cost. Medi-Cal is run by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), not Covered California. For full details on what's covered and how to use your benefits, visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website.

How to Apply

Start your application online, and we’ll automatically check to see if you are eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California.

You can also:

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Medi-Cal
Covered California
What It Is
A state program that gives free or low-cost coverage to people with limited income
Private health insurance marketplace where people can get income-based financial help to reduce monthly premiums
Who Is Eligible
Californians with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
Californians who need insurance and aren't eligible for Medi-Cal
When You Can Apply
Any time of year
During open enrollment — or special enrollment if you experience a major life change

Medi-Cal for Your Situation

Medi-Cal covers children, pregnancy and mixed-program families differently. Here's what to know for each.

Get Help With Medi-Cal

Still applying or have questions? Covered California can help. Already have Medi-Cal? Your county handles your insurance and any questions about it.

Find Your County OfficeGet Help

Medi-Cal Eligibility

Medi-Cal eligibility can depend on your income, household size, age, pregnancy, disability and other factors. Some people qualify through programs they already use. Visit the Department of Health Care Services to learn more about Medi-Cal eligibility.

For how immigration status affects eligibility, visit information for immigrants.

Medi-Cal uses your household's income, but the income limit is different for each person depending on their age or situation. Most adults qualify for Medi-Cal with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Children qualify with household income up to 266% of the FPL.Because the limits are different, people in the same household can land in different programs. For example, in a family at 250% of the FPL, the children are under the limit for kids, but the parents are over the limit for adults. The children would usually qualify for Medi-Cal, while the parents would get a Covered California plan. This is called a mixed-program family.

Using Medi-Cal Insurance

If you qualify for Medi-Cal, you’ll receive a packet in the mail that shows the health plans you can choose from. Medi-Cal will choose a health plan for you if you don’t choose one within 30 days.

Plan options depend on the county where you live. You can find the options available in your area with the Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan Directory

Ready to apply?

You can apply any time of year. Your health insurance can start quickly, and in some cases right away.

Apply Now

Common Questions