How to Apply for Medicaid (Medi-Cal) in California in 2026

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Quick Summary

• Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
• Eligibility is based on income, household size, and category.
• Have proof of income, identity, and residency ready.
• Check and renew your coverage on your state portal.
• Use official government sites only.

What are you trying to do?

In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents. Here is how to apply for Medi-Cal in 2026.

2026 Medicaid Work Requirement Update (New Federal Rule)

Under an interim final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 1, 2026 — required by the 2025 federal budget law — most adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid adult (expansion) group must meet a monthly “community engagement” (work) requirement to keep coverage. Here is what is confirmed so far:

• 80 hours per month of qualifying activities: a job, self-employment, approved work or job-training programs, community service, or being enrolled at least half-time in school.
• Or earn at least $580 per month (80 times the federal minimum wage) from work.
• Timing: CMS issued the interim final rule on June 1, 2026. States must generally implement the requirement no later than January 1, 2027, though a state may choose an earlier date. The actual effective date and procedures vary by state — confirm implementation status with your state Medicaid agency.

Who is generally exempt: people who are pregnant or postpartum; under 19 or age 65 and older; enrolled in Medicare; medically frail or disabled; American Indian or Alaska Native; a parent or caregiver of a young child or a person with a disability; a veteran with a total disability rating; or already meeting SNAP or TANF work rules. Exact rules vary by state. See our Medicaid work requirement exemptions guide.

What to do now: confirm how your state will apply the rule, keep records of your work or activity hours, and report any changes on time. Check details with your state Medicaid agency, the Medicaid.gov community engagement page, or the CMS fact sheet.

Last verified August 11, 2026 against CMS and Medicaid.gov primary sources. General information, not legal advice — GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency. Confirm current rules with your state Medicaid agency before acting.

Who is eligible

Medi-Cal eligibility is based mainly on household income and size, using the same core rules as Medicaid eligibility nationwide. Children, pregnant people, families, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify, and many adults qualify under the low-income expansion. Because income limits change and depend on your household, confirm the current figure at the official source below and review what counts as income and the general Medicaid income limits.

Documents you will need

• Proof of identity and California residency.
• Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters).
• Social Security numbers and immigration/status information for applicants.
• Household and tax-filing details.

How to apply

You can apply for Medi-Cal in several ways:

1. Online through BenefitsCal (California’s benefits portal).
2. By phone or mail with your county human-services office.
3. In person at your county social services office.
4. Through Covered California, which screens for Medi-Cal.

Applying is free – never pay a third party to apply.

After you apply

The county reviews your application and may request more information – respond quickly. Track it with the Medicaid application status guide, and see when Medicaid coverage starts. Children who do not qualify for Medi-Cal may be covered through CHIP, and people who also have Medicare should read about dual eligibility.

If you have an urgent medical need

If you had a recent medical emergency, ask about retroactive coverage and Emergency Medicaid while your application is processed.

Tips

• Apply even if you are unsure – the county makes the final determination.
• Keep copies of everything you submit and note your case number.
• Report changes in income or household promptly to keep coverage accurate.
• Renew on time each year to avoid a gap.

What to do next

Gather your documents and apply through BenefitsCal or your county office today. Coverage can start quickly once you are approved.

What Medi-Cal covers

Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage, generally including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, dental (Denti-Cal), and preventive care. Most members pay little or nothing. If you need care at home instead of a facility, ask your county about in-home and community-based services. Because covered services and any small costs can depend on your specific program, confirm the details with the official source below or your county office – and remember that applying and getting help are always free.

Keeping your coverage

Once you are enrolled, Medi-Cal is renewed periodically. Watch for a renewal packet, respond by the deadline, and report changes in income, address, or household so your coverage stays accurate and does not lapse. If you ever get a notice that coverage is ending, act right away – you may be able to fix a paperwork issue or transition to other affordable coverage through Covered California.

Official source

Learn about Medi-Cal and apply through the California Department of Health Care Services at dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal and medicaid.gov. Applying is free.

Frequently asked questions

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income California residents.

Where do I apply for Medi-Cal?

Online through BenefitsCal, by phone or mail with your county, in person at a county social services office, or via Covered California. Applying is free.

What documents do I need?

Proof of identity, California residency, income, and Social Security numbers/immigration information for applicants. Have household and tax details ready.

What to Do Next

Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.

Planning ahead? See California Medicaid 2027: what to expect for the 2027 update timeline.

Official California benefit sites

These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.

Related guides

• Medicaid application guide
• Documents for Medicaid
• Renew your Medicaid
• California SNAP
• Check what you qualify for
• Documents you need to apply

Apply for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)

In California, Medicaid is Medi-Cal, run by your county under the state DHCS. Apply online at BenefitsCal, through your county human services office, or via Covered California. Applying is free. Bring proof of identity, income, and California residency.

Last verified: July 2026. GlobalBenefits.org is an independent guide, not a government agency; confirm details with the official agency.

Written by Jin Daewoo, founder and editor at GlobalBenefits.org. First published July 4, 2026. Last reviewed July 25, 2026. Guides on GlobalBenefits.org prioritize official U.S. federal and state government sources and are reviewed regularly for accuracy.