Medi-Cal Eligibility Calculator

Calculator Form

Household Size

People Needing Coverage

Children Age 0 to 18

Household Income

Income Period

Annual MAGI Adjustments

Main Applicant Group

Pregnant Applicant in Household

County Child Program Area

California Resident

Medicare, Disability, or Senior Review

Receives SSI, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Foster Care, or Refugee Aid

Formula Used

Annual income: monthly income x 12, or the annual income entered.

Estimated MAGI: annual income minus annual MAGI adjustments.

FPL percentage: estimated MAGI / 2026 Federal Poverty Level for household size x 100.

Income margin: selected program income limit minus estimated MAGI.

The calculator uses common MAGI screening limits: 138% for adults, 266% for children, 213% for pregnant individuals, and 322% for MCAP or CCHIP screening.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter household size, income, and the income period. Add yearly MAGI adjustments if known. Choose the applicant group that matches the person being screened. Select pregnancy, child count, county, and residency details. Press the calculate button. The result appears above the form. Use CSV or PDF export to save the estimate.

Example Data Table

Household	Applicant	Annual MAGI	Estimated FPL	Likely Result
1	Adult	$21,000	131.58%	Likely adult income-eligible
4	Child	$70,000	212.12%	Likely child income-eligible
3	Pregnant individual	$60,000	219.62%	Possible MCAP screening range
2	Adult	$40,000	184.84%	Above common adult income limit

Medi-Cal Eligibility Planning Guide

Medi-Cal is California's health coverage program for people with limited income. This calculator helps you make a quick planning estimate before you apply. It compares your estimated annual MAGI with common Federal Poverty Level limits. It also checks age, pregnancy, child coverage, and county details.

How the Estimate Works

The tool starts with household size. Then it selects the 2026 poverty guideline for that size. Your monthly income is annualized when needed. Allowed adjustments are subtracted to form an estimated MAGI. The calculator divides MAGI by the guideline. That creates an FPL percentage.

Different Medi-Cal groups use different percentages. Most adults are screened at 138% FPL. Children can screen up to 266% FPL. Pregnant applicants can screen up to 213% FPL. Some pregnancy and child programs may use 322% FPL. Special programs may still apply outside these ranges.

Why Extra Details Matter

A household can receive a mixed result. A child may qualify when an adult does not. A pregnant person may qualify under a different path. A senior, disabled person, Medicare member, or SSI recipient may need a non-MAGI review. County rules can also affect CCHIP screening for certain children.

Use the result as a guide, not a final decision. Official eligibility can include residency, immigration rules, tax filing status, deductions, other coverage, and program history. County workers and the state application system make the final decision.

Smart Use Tips

Enter income for the year you want coverage. Use your best current estimate. Include wages, self employment income, taxable Social Security, unemployment, and other taxable income. Subtract only adjustments that affect MAGI. Keep documents ready when you apply.

Run more than one scenario if income changes during the year. Try a monthly estimate and an annual estimate. Save the CSV file for records. Download the PDF when advising a client or reviewing options with family.

This calculator is useful for planning, outreach, and quick education. It should not replace an application. Apply through Covered California, BenefitsCal, or your county office to receive an official notice. Store your entries privately and avoid sharing sensitive documents through public devices or unsecured networks after each session. Review notices carefully. Report changes within required deadlines so coverage stays accurate.

FAQs

1. Is this calculator an official Medi-Cal decision?

No. It is only an estimate. The county or official application system decides eligibility after reviewing income, household, residency, immigration, and program details.

2. What income should I enter?

Enter expected household income for the coverage year. Use taxable income sources and add your best estimate. Monthly income is converted to an annual amount.

3. What does MAGI mean?

MAGI means Modified Adjusted Gross Income. For this tool, it is estimated by subtracting entered annual adjustments from annual household income.

4. Why do children have a higher limit?

Medi-Cal child programs can use a higher FPL percentage than adult MAGI coverage. That means a child may qualify when an adult does not.

5. What if I am pregnant?

Select the pregnancy option. The calculator checks the pregnant individual limit first, then checks the broader pregnancy program screening range.

6. What if I have Medicare or disability?

Select the senior, disability, or Medicare review option. These cases may use different non-MAGI rules, so the calculator recommends manual review.

7. Can county rules change the result?

Yes. CCHIP screening can apply to children in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties within a higher FPL range.

8. Why is my income margin negative?

A negative margin means estimated MAGI is above the selected program limit. You may still review Covered California plans or special pathways.