California · Medicaid
Medicaid in California
Looking for Medicaid eligibility in California? Here is how this coverage lane works specifically for California residents, what it costs, and how to get it.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
How it works here
Medicaid, explained for California.
California expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify regardless of whether they have children.
Medicaid in California provides free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage for those who qualify, and you can apply year-round — there is no enrollment window.
If you do not qualify for Medicaid in California, a subsidized Marketplace plan through Covered California is usually the next best option.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program and covers a large share of low-income adults, children, and pregnant residents after expansion.
Because California expanded Medicaid, adults up to roughly 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify year-round without waiting for Open Enrollment.
If you lose Medi-Cal eligibility after an income change, Covered California typically offers a Special Enrollment Period so you can move into a subsidized Marketplace plan without a coverage gap.
California facts
- Marketplace
- Covered California
- Medicaid expansion
- Adopted
- Uninsured rate
- ~6.5%
Open enrollment 2027
When California can enroll.
- Opens
- Nov 1, 2026
- Sun
- For Jan 1 coverage
- Check the exchange
- Covered California sets this date
- Last day to enroll
- Jan 31, 2027
- Sun
California runs its own exchange. These dates come from a secondary source (healthinsurance.org, Aug 2026). Confirm with Covered California before you rely on a date. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.
Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.
More in this state
Other coverage in California.
- ACA Marketplace plansSubsidy-eligible major-medical plans sold on the exchange.
- Health sharingMember-funded medical cost sharing — not insurance.
- Short-term plansTemporary coverage to bridge a gap — limited benefits.
- MedicareOriginal Medicare, Advantage, and Medigap for 65+ and eligible.
- DentalStandalone and bundled dental coverage options.
- VisionEye exams, glasses, and contacts coverage.
- TelehealthVirtual primary and urgent care memberships.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in California?
Adults with income up to about 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus children, pregnant women, and others who meet income rules.
Can I apply for Medicaid any time in California?
Yes — unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid enrollment is open year-round for those who qualify.
Did California expand Medicaid?
Yes. California adopted ACA Medicaid expansion, which generally opens coverage to more low-income adults.
Sources
- Medicaid.gov — federal Medicaid program information · reviewed 2026-01-15
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
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