✓ Updated for the 2027 plan year · Last reviewed October 2026
Your Covered California income limits determine what kind of financial help you qualify for in 2027 — whether that's free or low-cost Medi-Cal, a federal premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, or an enhanced Silver plan with lower out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility is based on your household's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size.
Below is the complete 2027 Covered California income chart, followed by a plain-English breakdown of each program and the one detail most people (and most websites) get wrong. We are licensed California agents and we walk people through this every day — at no cost.
Annual household income (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% (Medi-Cal adult cap) |
150% (Silver 94 cap) |
200% (Silver 87 cap) |
250% (Silver 73 cap) |
266% (Medi-Cal kids cap) |
400% (Fed subsidy cap) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $42,454 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $29,864 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $57,563 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $72,672 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $87,780 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,379 | $58,020 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $102,889 | $154,720 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $117,998 | $177,440 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $69,056 | $75,060 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $133,107 | $200,160 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $76,894 | $83,580 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $148,216 | $222,880 |
Each additional person adds about $5,680 to the 100% FPL figure. Orange = Medi-Cal eligibility range (adults). Figures reflect the official 2027 Covered California program chart.
Free or very low-cost coverage for adults earning up to 138% of FPL. California's Medicaid program — no monthly premium for most enrollees.
Kids under 19 can qualify for Medi-Cal at higher household incomes than adults — up to 266% of FPL.
The richest enhanced Silver plan. The plan covers about 94% of your average costs — very low deductibles and copays for those who qualify.
A strong enhanced Silver tier covering roughly 87% of average costs — still a major upgrade over a standard Silver plan.
A modest cost-sharing boost over standard Silver. Note: the COVID-era version that was available regardless of income ended December 31, 2025.
Lowers your monthly premium on a sliding scale. The lower your income within this range, the larger your credit.
Covered California looks at your estimated total household income for the full calendar year you'll be insured — an annual estimate, not last year's tax return. If you expect a raise, a job change, self-employment income, or retirement, estimate for that coverage year.
Medi-Cal looks at your current monthly income instead. That's why the same household can land in different places depending on the program — and why it trips people up right at the Medi-Cal / Covered California border.
Because Covered California subsidies are reconciled at tax time, getting your annual estimate right is where we save people the most headaches (and money). If you're near a threshold or your income varies, it's worth a two-minute conversation.
For those who qualify for a premium tax credit, your expected contribution is based on your household FPL percentage (using the second-lowest-cost Silver plan as the benchmark):
| Household FPL | Expected % of Income for Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 150% FPL | 0% of household income |
| Over 150–200% FPL | 2.8% – 5.28% |
| 200% under 250% FPL | 6.78% – 8.66% |
| 250% under 300% FPL | 8.66% – 10.22% |
| 300–400% FPL | 10.22% |
Above 400% FPL, the enhanced federal caps that applied through 2025 are no longer in effect for 2027 — which makes an accurate income estimate more important than ever. Run a quote to see your actual numbers.
Covered California Income Limits & Subsidy Tips for 2027 - Watch on YouTube
Covered California uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — essentially your adjusted gross income from your tax return, plus a few add-backs like tax-exempt interest, non-taxable Social Security benefits, and foreign earned income. For most people the starting point is the AGI on their Form 1040.
Because subsidies are reconciled at tax time, estimating your income accurately matters. Underestimate and you may owe money back; overestimate and you leave help on the table. If your income varies or you're self-employed, this is exactly the kind of thing we sort out with people every day.
If your income changed — a raise, a new job, self-employment, or retirement — your subsidy and Enhanced Silver tier can change too. Designate CalHealth.net as your Covered California agent (it's free, and it does not change your plan or your price), and we'll update your income, re-check your subsidy and Silver 94/87/73 eligibility, and keep you in the right program for 2027 — no cost, no pressure.
How to designate us as your agent → · Talk to Dennis · 800-320-6269