Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid Program Explained for Seniors
What Medi-Cal is, who qualifies, income limits, what it covers, and how to apply
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program — a state and federally funded health insurance program for people with limited income, seniors, people with disabilities, and families who meet eligibility requirements. If you’ve seen the name Medi-Cal and wondered whether it’s the same as Medicaid, the answer is yes. Medi-Cal is simply what California calls its Medicaid program.
For seniors in California, Medi-Cal can cover healthcare costs, prescription medications, and long-term care that Medicare alone does not pay for — making it one of the most important programs for older adults with limited income.
Is Medi-Cal the Same as Medicaid?
Yes. Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid. Every state runs its Medicaid program under its own name — California calls it Medi-Cal, Tennessee calls it TennCare, Oregon calls it OHP. They are all part of the same federal-state Medicaid system, jointly funded by California and the federal government.
Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →
Medi-Cal is administered through a combination of fee-for-service Medicaid and managed care plans (called Medi-Cal Managed Care) that coordinate services through regional health plans across the state.
Is Medi-Cal Medicare or Medicaid?
Medi-Cal is Medicaid — not Medicare. These are two different programs:
- Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. Eligibility is based on age or work history, not income.
- Medi-Cal (Medicaid) is a state program based on income and eligibility criteria. You must meet financial and other requirements to qualify — age alone is not enough.
Many seniors qualify for both at the same time — called dual eligibility or “Medi-Medi.” In that case, Medicare pays first and Medi-Cal covers remaining costs including premiums, copays, and services Medicare excludes such as long-term care.
Who Qualifies for Medi-Cal?
California has one of the most expansive Medi-Cal programs in the country. As of 2024, California expanded Medi-Cal eligibility to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status. Key eligibility groups include:
- Seniors 65 and older with income and assets below Medi-Cal limits
- Adults under 65 with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- People with disabilities who meet income and medical criteria
- Pregnant women at higher income thresholds
- Children through the age of 18 at expanded income limits
- Dual-eligible seniors on Medicare with limited income
Medi-Cal Income Limits for Seniors (2026)
For seniors 65 and older, Medi-Cal eligibility is based on both income and assets. Here is a general reference:
| Category | Approximate Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual income limit (seniors) | ~$1,732/month (138% FPL) |
| Couple income limit | ~$2,342/month |
| Asset limit (as of 2024) | Eliminated — California removed asset limits for Medi-Cal |
| Long-term care Medi-Cal | Up to ~$2,829/month; different rules apply |
Important: California eliminated Medi-Cal asset limits in January 2024 — seniors no longer need to spend down savings to qualify. Income limits still apply. Contact your county’s Department of Social Services for current figures.
What Does Medi-Cal Cover for Seniors?
Medi-Cal covers a comprehensive range of services. For seniors, the most critical benefits include:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use services
- Dental care — comprehensive dental is covered for Medi-Cal adults
- Vision care — eye exams and eyeglasses
- Long-term care — nursing home care, in-home supportive services (IHSS), and community-based care for eligible seniors
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) — a major Medi-Cal benefit that pays for in-home caregivers for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities
- Preventive care — screenings, vaccinations, wellness visits
- Non-emergency medical transportation
Medi-Cal for Seniors: The Asset Limit Change
One of the most significant recent changes to Medi-Cal affects seniors directly. As of January 1, 2024, California eliminated the asset limit for Medi-Cal. Previously, seniors had to have less than $130,000 in assets (for an individual) to qualify. That limit no longer exists.
This means seniors who were previously disqualified due to savings, a car, or other assets may now be eligible for Medi-Cal. If you or a loved one was denied Medi-Cal in the past due to assets, it is worth reapplying under the new rules.
Medi-Cal and Medicare: How They Work Together
Seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal are called dual eligibles or “Medi-Medi” beneficiaries. This combination provides very comprehensive coverage:
- Medicare pays first for covered services
- Medi-Cal may cover Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays
- Medi-Cal covers long-term care and IHSS that Medicare excludes
- Cal MediConnect and PACE programs are available in some counties for dual-eligible seniors
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
California seniors can apply for Medi-Cal through several channels:
- Apply online at CoveredCA.com or through your county’s social services office
- Apply in person at your local county Department of Social Services office
- Apply by phone through your county office or via Covered California at 1-800-300-1506
- Provide proof of California residency, income, identity, and any current Medicare enrollment
- If approved, you may be enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan or remain in fee-for-service Medi-Cal depending on your county
There is no open enrollment period for Medi-Cal — you can apply at any time of year.
What This Means for Seniors in California
If you are 65 or older and living in California with limited income, Medi-Cal could cover healthcare and long-term care costs that would otherwise be unaffordable — including in-home care through IHSS and nursing home care that Medicare will not pay for beyond 100 days.
The elimination of asset limits in 2024 is a major development that makes Medi-Cal accessible to more seniors than ever before. If you were previously denied or assumed you wouldn’t qualify, now is the time to check again.
Last Updated on 30 June 2026 by ingmin