Medi-Cal Eligibility & Application (2025)

Version: HH (compiled) 10/15/25

💼 Medi-Cal Asset Limits (2024–2026 Update)

⚠️ Coming Back in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will reinstate asset limits for non-MAGI programs.

You’ll again need to report what you own when you apply or renew coverage.

Planned 2026 limits:

$130,000 for an individual

$195,000 for a couple

+$65,000 for each additional household member

Assets reviewed on annual renewal.

Countable assets will include:
Cash, bank accounts, investments, second homes, and extra vehicles.

Assets NOT included:
Your primary home, one car, personal belongings, and certain trusts or retirement accounts.

Also:

Undocumented persons no longer allowed to have Medi-Cal. (Persons who already have it can continue it but would need to pay a premium.)

In 2027, work rules will take effect. Persons 18-64 able-bodied must work/attend school/do community service 80 hours per month. Also in 2027, recertifications will take effect every 6 months rather than 1 year. 

📝 How to Apply

You’ll need:

Most recent tax return

Statements from all income sources

Banking information

Housing or real estate details (if not in a trust)

📄 Application Form:
Single Stream Medi-Cal Application (English PDF)

Apply online or renew through: BenefitsCal.com

📆 Ongoing Requirements

Medi-Cal must be renewed every year.

You must report any changes in income, address, or household immediately.

🔗 How to Report Income Changes – Ventura County Example

You can check your eligibility or renewal status anytime on BenefitsCal.com.

📊 Medi-Cal Income Eligibility (Regular Medi-Cal)

Regular Medi-Cal eligibility is based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is updated every April 1.

To qualify, income must be below 138% of the FPL.

Renew annually and report changes as they occur.

🔗 Resources:

Do You Qualify for Medi-Cal? (DHCS)

Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) Overview

🧓 Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) Medi-Cal

If you are aged (65+) or disabled (as defined by Social Security), and not eligible for SSI, you may qualify for Medi-Cal through this program.

Requirements:

Age 65+, or meet Social Security’s definition of disability (including blindness)

Countable monthly income below:

$1,732 (individual)

$2,351 (couple)

💡 This program allows higher income limits than regular Medi-Cal, so more older adults and disabled individuals can qualify for free full-scope Medi-Cal.

💰 What Counts as Income

Medi-Cal eligibility is based on countable monthly income and is renewed annually.

Income Limits (2025)

Individual: Up to ~$1,700/month

Couple: Up to ~$2,300/month

(For the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program — see below.)

Examples of Countable Income

Social Security or Social Security Disability (SSDI)

Pension payments

IRA withdrawals or Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Stock dividends

Periodic payments (e.g., annuities)

⚠️ Note: Pension payments and RMDs do count as income.
Confirm whether your spouse’s income is included in your total — generally, it is considered for married applicants.

💵 Medi-Cal Share of Cost (SOC) Program

If your income is above the A&D FPL limit, you may still get Medi-Cal — but you’ll need to pay a “share of cost” each month before coverage begins.

Learn more:
🔗 Understanding Share of Cost – CANHR

🏡 Before Nursing Home Placement

Consider placing your home in a trust before applying, to protect it.

Funds from individual or joint bank accounts may also be held in a trust account before applying.

Do not move pension or 401(k) funds into a trust — these are income sources.

Remember: spouse’s income is usually included when calculating total income.