How do I apply for Medi-Cal based on income?

The fastest and most common way to qualify for Medi-Cal is based on household modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Many children will qualify for MAGI Medi-Cal even if their parents don’t, as the income thresholds are higher for children under age 18 than for adults.

1. First, determine your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). HealthCare.gov describes MAGI as “adjusted gross income (AGI) plus any untaxed foreign income, non-taxable Social Security benefits, and tax-exempt interest.” Adjusted gross income appears as a line on your tax return. For many families, AGI and MAGI will be the same or very close.

2. Next, determine your household size. Count only yourself and those who will be listed on your tax return as a spouse or dependent. Don’t count extended family members or roommates who live with you but file their own tax returns.

3. Now that you have figured out your MAGI and household size, look at an eligibility chart. The top row of this chart from Covered California lists different percentages of the federal poverty level. Eligibility for various Medi-Cal programs is calculated as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL), which changes every year and is adjusted based on household size. For children, the threshold for Medi-Cal eligibility is 266% of the federal poverty level.

To determine whether your child will be eligible for MAGI Medi-Cal, find the corresponding row for your household size. If your household MAGI is lower than this dollar amount, your child(ren) should qualify for Medi-Cal based on household income, regardless of disability.