Medi-Cal Guide
Everything you need to know about Medi-Cal — what it is, how to apply, and what documents to gather.
The basics
- Medi-Cal is a government program — it is not private insurance.
- It covers doctor visits, hospital care, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health, and more.
- Many people pay nothing for Medi-Cal. Some may have small copays.
- You can apply any time of year — there is no limited enrollment period.
- Medi-Cal is managed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Who is Medi-Cal for?
Adults
Adults 19–64 may qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single person, this is roughly $20,783 per year (2024 guidelines).
Children & teens
Children and teens under 19 may qualify if family income is up to 266% of the FPL. Coverage often includes more services, like dental and vision.
Families
Parents and caretaker relatives may qualify based on income and household size. Pregnant individuals may qualify at higher income levels.
Seniors & people with disabilities
People 65 and older or with certain disabilities may qualify with different income rules. Some may get both Medicare and Medi-Cal.
Basic eligibility
To be eligible for Medi-Cal, you generally need to:
- Live in California
- Meet income requirements for your household size
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet other immigration criteria
Note: Final eligibility depends on official review by your county or the state.
Official resources
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Always confirm details with official sources and talk with a licensed provider for personal medical advice.