Does Social Security Count as Income for Covered California?

Yes. Covered California counts Social Security benefits in MAGI income.

Social Security DOES count as income for Covered California and MAGI Medi-Cal.
Covered California’s official what counts as income chart shows Social Security benefits (taxable and non-taxable), including SSDI, are counted at the gross amount.
- View Covered California What counts as Income Chart (official proof)

Covered California

Uses your expected MAGI household income for the coverage year. Estimate Income

MAGI Medi-Cal

Social Security counts for the full amount you get See What counts as Income Chart

California Taxes

California does NOT tax Social Security. California FTB

Important

Do not confuse Social Security with SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
SSI is not counted on the Covered California countable income chart and is not taxable. IRS Explanation Publication 915

Federal Taxes

Federal tax rules are different. Only part of Social Security may be taxable depending on total income. IRS Publication 915

Bottom Line

Do not assume tax rules = health coverage rules.
Covered California and Medi-Cal count Social Security income even when it is not taxed by California.

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Optional Deeper Details Below

The practical explanation is above. The section below includes supporting documents, background material, citations, examples, and technical details for readers who want more.

Count Gross Social Security Income

Here’s where Covered CA asks about Social Security Income

See our FAQ’s about figuring out MAGI Income on your own and just entering the final number, rather then get caught in the quagmire of answering all the Covered CA questions where they try to help you, but I see too many people get sucked into the quick sand.

Insure Me Kevin.com – how to enter retirement income, so you don’t wind up on Medi Cal…

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