The most straightforward way to get your child health care coverage through Medi-Cal is based on your household's 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. See this chart for income limits.
If your household income increases due to a change in circumstances, such as a new job, you may wonder whether your child will lose their Medi-Cal eligibility. Note that when a child is deemed eligible for Medi-Cal, they have that coverage for 12 months no matter if circumstances change.
In the meantime, you can see if your child is eligible for a Medi-Cal waiver program. The two most common waivers are the HCBS-DD for Regional Center clients (also known as the institutional deeming waiver) and the HCBA for individuals who have complex medical needs. If your child is eligible for one of these waivers, Medi-Cal will not look at the entire household's income, only your child's income.
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can also receive Medi-Cal coverage.
If for some reason there is a gap in Medi-Cal coverage, it can be retroactive up to 90 days.
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