What income qualifies for Medi-Cal vs Covered California in 2027?

In 2027, adults generally qualify for Medi-Cal with income up to about 138% FPL (roughly $22,025 for one person). Above that, up to 400% FPL and beyond, you shop Covered California with a possible premium subsidy. Children can qualify for Medi-Cal at higher incomes, up to 266% FPL. Exact figures depend on household size.

Can my kids be on Medi-Cal while I'm on Covered California?

Yes, and it's very common. Children qualify for Medi-Cal at higher household incomes than adults (up to 266% FPL), so in many families the kids are on Medi-Cal while the parents have a subsidized Covered California plan. We help split households like this every day.

For most enrollees, Medi-Cal has no monthly premium and very low or no out-of-pocket costs. Covered California plans have a monthly premium, though a premium tax credit often reduces it significantly based on your income.

What happens if my income changes during the year?

If your income rises above the Medi-Cal threshold, you can move to a Covered California plan (a qualifying event for Special Enrollment). If it drops, you may become eligible for Medi-Cal, which enrolls year-round. Report income changes promptly so your coverage and any subsidy stay accurate. We help clients time these transitions to avoid coverage gaps.

Covered California Guide

How It Works Income Limits Metal TiersMedi-Cal vs Covered CAOpen Enrollment Special Enrollment How to Apply

Medi-Cal vs Covered California (2027)

Q: What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program offering free or very low-cost coverage to lower-income residents (generally up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level for adults). Covered California is the state marketplace where you buy a private health plan, often with a subsidy, if your income is above the Medi-Cal line. Which one you qualify for depends mostly on your household income and size.

✓ Updated for the 2027 plan year · Last reviewed October 2026

One of the most common questions in California health insurance is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California. They're both ways to get coverage, but they work very differently — and which one you qualify for comes down mostly to your income.

In short: Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program — free or very low-cost coverage for lower-income residents. Covered California is the state's marketplace where you buy a private plan, often with a subsidy that lowers your premium. Here's how they compare.

Medi-Cal vs Covered California at a Glance

Feature	Medi-Cal	Covered California
What it is	California's Medicaid program	State health insurance marketplace
Cost	Free or very low cost for most	Monthly premium (often reduced by subsidy)
Income (adults)	Up to ~138% FPL	Above ~138% FPL, up to 400%+ for subsidies
Income (1 person, 2027)	Up to about $22,025	Roughly $22,025 to $63,840 for subsidies
Plan type	Managed care through the state	Private plans (Kaiser, Blue Shield, Anthem, etc.)
Enrollment window	Year-round (anytime)	Open Enrollment + Special Enrollment
Renewal	Annual redetermination	Annual, with income reconciliation at tax time

Prefer to watch? Medi-Cal vs Covered California, explained

Covered California vs Medi-Cal: Understanding What's Best - Watch on YouTube

Which One Do You Qualify For?

0–138% FPL

Likely Medi-Cal (Adults)

If your household income is at or below about 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, adults generally qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage.

Up to 266% FPL

Medi-Cal (Children)

Kids under 19 can qualify for Medi-Cal at higher household incomes than adults — up to 266% of FPL — even if the parents are on a Covered California plan.

138–400%+ FPL

Covered California + Subsidy

Above the Medi-Cal line, you shop Covered California plans, usually with a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly cost.

Mixed households

Both at once

It's common for kids to be on Medi-Cal while parents are on a subsidized Covered California plan. We sort out these split households all the time.

The tricky part: the Medi-Cal / Covered California border

The two programs count your income differently. Covered California looks at your estimated total income for the full calendar year you'll be covered, while Medi-Cal looks at your current monthly income. Right at the ~138% line, that can mean the difference between free Medi-Cal and a subsidized private plan — and getting your income estimate right matters.

If you're close to the border, or your income changes during the year, it's worth a quick conversation. This is exactly the kind of thing we help people navigate every day — at no cost. See our income limits page for the full chart.

Can You Switch Between Them?

Yes. If your income rises above the Medi-Cal threshold, you can transition to a Covered California plan (this is a qualifying event for a Special Enrollment Period). If your income drops, you may move to Medi-Cal. Because Medi-Cal enrolls year-round, timing these transitions correctly avoids coverage gaps — something we help clients manage smoothly.