How-To

How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California 2026: Step-by-Step

Q: Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in 2026?

California expanded Medi-Cal to all income-eligible adults regardless of immigration status. Adults 19–64 qualify up to 138% FPL ($1,835/month for a single person). Children qualify up to 266% FPL. Undocumented adults of all ages are also eligible under California's full-scope expansion.

Q: How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

Apply online at Covered California (CoveredCA.com), through your county human services office, by phone at 1-800-300-1506, through certified enrollment counselors, or at community health centers. If you apply for Covered California marketplace coverage, you'll automatically be screened for Medi-Cal.

Q: Is Medi-Cal free in 2026?

For most adults who qualify, Medi-Cal has no premiums, no copays for most services, and no deductibles. Some optional services may have small copays. IHSS recipients and children in foster care also receive full Medi-Cal coverage. California eliminated all Medi-Cal premiums for children in 2023.

Q: How long does it take to get approved for Medi-Cal?

California counties must process applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). In practice, many applicants are screened in real time online. Emergency Medi-Cal can be approved within days for people in immediate need of care.

June 30, 2026 · 5 min read · California Medicaid overview

California's Medi-Cal program covers adults up to 138% FPL ($1,835/month for a single person in 2026) and has expanded to undocumented residents of all ages. If you live in California and your income is within the limit, you very likely qualify — and Medi-Cal is free for most recipients.

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Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in 2026?

Adults 19–64: Income up to 138% FPL (~$1,835/month single, $3,795/month family of 4)
Children: Income up to 266% FPL
Pregnant women: Income up to 213% FPL; coverage through 12 months postpartum
Adults 65+: With income at or below the standard (asset test may apply)
Adults with disabilities: Who meet income and medical criteria
Undocumented residents: All ages qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal in California

Documents to gather

Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or Matricula Consular)
Social Security number (or ITIN/declaration if undocumented)
Proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
Proof of income: recent pay stubs, self-employment records, or zero-income statement
Proof of citizenship or immigration status (if applicable — required for federal Medi-Cal, not state-funded)
If pregnant: confirmation from a health care provider

How to apply — step by step

Online at Covered California (fastest): Go to CoveredCA.com and start an application. You'll be automatically screened for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, you won't be offered marketplace plans — you'll be enrolled directly in Medi-Cal.
By phone: Call 1-800-300-1506 (Covered CA) or 1-888-747-1222 (county social services). TTY: 1-888-889-4500.
In person at your county office: Find your county social services office. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster.
Through a certified enrollment counselor: Free in-person help navigating Medi-Cal — find one at CoveredCA.com/find-help/.
At a community health center: Many FQHCs and clinics can help you apply on-site and provide care regardless of enrollment status.

Apply for CalFresh + Medi-Cal together

California's BenefitsCal lets you apply for CalFresh (SNAP), Medi-Cal, and other programs in one application. Check eligibility first with our screener.

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After you apply

Counties must process applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based). Many applicants are determined eligible in real time online. Once approved, you'll be assigned to a managed care plan in your county. You can choose a different plan within 30 days.

If denied, you have 90 days to appeal by contacting the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) at 1-800-952-5253 or submitting a written appeal.

Is Medi-Cal really free?

For most Medi-Cal recipients: yes. There are no monthly premiums, no deductibles, and copays are $0 for most services. Some optional benefits (like certain dental procedures or non-emergency transportation) may have minimal copays. California eliminated all children's Medi-Cal premiums in 2023.

Common questions

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in 2026?

Adults up to 138% FPL, children up to 266% FPL, pregnant women up to 213% FPL, seniors, people with disabilities, and all undocumented California residents regardless of age.

How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

The easiest way is online at CoveredCA.com. You can also call 1-800-300-1506, visit your county office, or get help from a certified enrollment counselor.

Is Medi-Cal free in 2026?

Yes — no premiums, no deductibles, and most services have $0 copays. It is one of the most comprehensive free public health programs in the country.

How long does it take to get approved for Medi-Cal?

45 days by law; often real-time when applying online. Emergency Medi-Cal can be approved within days.

Related guides

Free benefits screener — California edition

CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, LIHEAP, and more — 2 minutes, no account needed.

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