California CHIP Income Limits by Household Size 2026
How much can a family of 4 earn and still qualify?
Medicaid limit
$7,315/mo
266% FPL
Medi-Cal limit
$7,315/mo
266% FPL
California covers children through Medicaid at income levels up to 266% FPL — there is no separate CHIP program. The application and coverage are the same.
| Household size | Medicaid limit (266% FPL) | Medi-Cal limit (266% FPL) | Annual CHIP limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,538/mo | $3,538/mo | $42,456/yr |
| 2 people | $4,797/mo | $4,797/mo | $57,564/yr |
| 3 people | $6,056/mo | $6,056/mo | $72,672/yr |
| 4 people | $7,315/mo | $7,315/mo | $87,780/yr |
| 5 people | $8,574/mo | $8,574/mo | $102,888/yr |
| 6 people | $9,833/mo | $9,833/mo | $117,996/yr |
| 7 people | $11,092/mo | $11,092/mo | $133,104/yr |
| 8 people | $12,351/mo | $12,351/mo | $148,212/yr |
| Each additional person | +$1,259/mo | +$1,259/mo | +$15,109/yr |
Last updated: January 2026. Income limits based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for 48 contiguous states. MAGI-based income counting. Always verify with California's Medicaid agency.
Quick California CHIP Eligibility Check
How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California
Option 1
Apply at Healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov lets you apply for Medicaid and CHIP together in one application.
Option 2
Apply through California
Contact California's Medicaid agency directly or visit InsureKidsNow.gov for your state's application portal.
No open enrollment: You can apply for Medi-Cal any time of year. Apply as soon as your child loses other coverage or your income changes.