California’s Medi-Cal program provides home care benefits to hundreds of thousands of residents — but many eligible families never access them because they don’t know they qualify, or they assume the application process is too complicated.
2025 income limits for Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules for most adults. For 2025: Single individual: Monthly income up to approximately $1,732 (138% of the Federal poverty Level). Couple: Monthly income up to approximately $2,342. Family of three: Approximately $2,921/month.
Important: California eliminated the asset test for most Medi-Cal categories in 2024. Savings, a home, and a car are generally no longer counted against eligibility — making many more seniors eligible than before.
Special categories with different rules
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medi-Cal covers seniors 65+ and individuals with qualifying disabilities. SSI recipients are automatically eligible.
Dual eligible (Medicare + Medi-Cal): Seniors who qualify for both have access to the broadest range of covered services.
What if income is slightly above the limit?
California offers a “share of cost” Medi-Cal option for individuals whose income exceeds the threshold. The individual pays a monthly share before Medi-Cal coverage kicks in — but for seniors with significant medical needs, this can still result in substantial coverage.
How to apply in Orange County
Applications can be submitted through Covered California (coveredca.com), the Orange County Social Services Agency, or BenefitsCal (benefitscal.com).
Contact Care partners — we’ll help you figure out what you’re entitled to.