Covered California Income Chart 2026

Do you qualify for Medi-Cal, Covered California subsidies, or an Enhanced Silver plan?

• If you are trying to figure out whether your income is too low, too high, or just right for Covered California… this page will give you a quick starting point.
• The key: your eligibility is usually based on your projected yearly MAGI income and your household size.
  • And you do not have to figure this out alone.
• I am a Covered California Certified Insurance Agent, and there is no extra charge for my help when you use me as your agent.

Quick Answer

• Here is the short version:
  • Up to about 138% FPL → Medi-Cal
  • 100% to 400% FPL → Covered California subsidies
  • Up to 250% FPL → Enhanced Silver (lower deductibles and copays)
  • 100% to 165% FPL → Extra California subsidy (2026)
• Important: These are general guidelines. Final eligibility depends on your full application, ZIP code, ages, and whether you qualify for Medi-Cal.

Before You Use the Chart

• Most people make one of two mistakes.
  • Mistake #1: Using the wrong household size
  • Mistake #2: Using last year’s income instead of this year’s estimate
• Covered California usually uses your projected yearly MAGI.
• If your estimate is off, your subsidy may be adjusted later when you file your taxes.  IRS Form 8962

How to Use This Page

• Step 1: Determine your household size
• Step 2: Estimate your next years  MAGI income
• Step 3: Compare your income to the chart
• Step 4: Identify whether you may fall into Medi-Cal, subsidy, or Enhanced Silver range
• Step 5: Confirm it with a real comparison, subsidy quote

Having Trouble Reading the Chart?

You are not alone.

If the chart looks small, blurry, or confusing on your phone, try clicking here for a cleaner pdf, skip the guesswork.

Just email me:

• Your ZIP code
• Your household size
• Your date of births
• Your estimated yearly MAGI income

Email: [email protected]

I will help you figure out your next step.

What Counts as Income (MAGI)?

MAGI usually starts with your Adjusted Gross Income.

Then, depending on your situation, you may add:

• Non-taxable Social Security
• Tax-exempt interest
• Foreign income

The important part: Covered California usually looks at your best estimate for the upcoming year, not just last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Covered California based on monthly or yearly income?
  • Usually yearly projected income. Medi-Cal can work differently.
• What if my income is too low?
  • You may qualify for Medi-Cal.
• What if my income is too high?
  • You can still buy coverage, but without subsidies.   If you want Silver, it may be less if we go direct and not through Covered CA
• What if my income changes?
  • You should report it. Otherwise your subsidy may be too high or too low at tax time.
• Do I have to figure this out myself?
  • No. I can help at no additional cost.

Need Help?

If you want help figuring out your eligibility, just reach out.

Steve Shorr
Covered California Certified Insurance Agent
Email: [email protected]

This is general information only and not tax or legal advice. Final eligibility is determined by official program rules and your application.

• Links & Resources
• Medi Cal  Policy Changes in California: Who, What, When, and Why?  Disability Rights 10/2025

Child & Sibling Pages

Site Map 

• APTC Advance Premium Tax Credit – Subsidies ARPA
  • 8962 Premium Tax Credit Reconciliation APTC Instructions
    • 1095 A Get the form Tax Subsidy Statement
  • Age 65 – Can you get Tax Credits Subsidies Covered CA?
  • Employer Coverage available? Updated rules – Family Glitch
  • Mandate Penalty California Individual & Family
    • Health Sharing Ministries – Not Protected by Insurance Guarantees
  • United for San Diego Premium Credit Program
• MAGI Income Chart – Line 11 1040 Covered CA
• Negative MAGI – Medi Cal even if you are rich
• Report a Change – How & When – Especially Income Create Account
  • Covered CA Broker – Agent Appointment No extra charge
  • Estimate Covered CA MAGI Income
  • Fudging the Income or Deductions?
    • Last Minute Application? When does coverage start? Competent Adults no index
  • Household Size?
  • Proof of Income & Identity – Accepted Documents
  • Residency – CA, USA – Covered CA & Medicare
    • Lawfully Present – Immigration Status
    • Premium – Rating Factors – 19 Geographic Regions
• Table of Contents -Income, Deductions & Expenses for MAGI no index
  • Alimony – From a Divorce Settlement taxable
    • Child Support – Adoption – Tax Credit – Enter Military
    • Married – Must File Jointly, Single, etc? Filing Status?
  • Capital Gains, Sale of Home & Dividends
    • Rental Income? MAGI? Home Mortgage Interest – Tenant Rights
      • California Tenants Rights
      • Condo Law
        • Casa La Villa Updating Rules
          • Architectural Rules
  • Clergy – Housing Allowance? Covered CA MAGI Income
  • Covered CA MAGI Retirement Income
  • Educational Credits – Student Loan Interest
  • Gambling Income & Losses – Other Income Line 21
  • Medical or any Debt Cancellation Covered CA MAGI Income?
  • Social Security Benefits MAGI Covered CA Income Subsidies