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Medi-Cal to Covered California: Transition Guide

Your income changed and you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal? Learn how to smoothly transition to Covered California without gaps in your health coverage.

What's the Difference Between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Feature Medi-Cal Covered California
Cost Free or very low cost Varies; subsidies available
Income Limit Up to 138% FPL No income limit; federal help above 138% and below 400% FPL
Provider Network Medi-Cal providers only Varies by carrier/plan
Plan Choice Assigned or limited choice Choose from 10+ carriers
Enrollment Year-round Open Enrollment or SEP

Income Limits for Medi-Cal vs Covered California

Your income determines which program you qualify for:

Monthly Income Limits (2027 Coverage)

Household Size Medi-Cal Max (138% FPL) Covered CA With Subsidy (below 400% FPL)
1 Person $1,836/mo $1,836 - $5,320/mo
2 People $2,490/mo $2,490 - $7,213/mo
3 People $3,143/mo $3,143 - $9,107/mo
4 People $3,795/mo $3,795 - $11,000/mo

Medi-Cal: the limits in effect now (2026 federal poverty guidelines), which usually rise early each year. Covered California: the 2027 coverage year's 400% FPL line, the end of federal premium help. Children qualify for Medi-Cal up to 266% FPL.

For households of up to 8 people, yearly limits and the limits for children and pregnancy, see the Medi-Cal income limits by household size.

Note: Income limits change annually. Use our Income Calculator for current amounts.

How to Transition from Medi-Cal to Covered California

If your income increases above Medi-Cal limits, follow these steps:

  1. Report your income change to Medi-Cal
    Required within 10 days of the change
  2. Check if you qualify for Covered California subsidies
    Use the income calculator to estimate your help
  3. Apply for Covered California during your SEP
    You have 60 days to enroll after losing Medi-Cal
  4. Pick your plan before Medi-Cal ends
    It starts on the 1st of the month after Medi-Cal ends, so there is no gap
  5. Pay your first premium promptly
    Coverage doesn't start until you pay
Important: Don't wait for Medi-Cal to notify you. Apply to Covered California as soon as you know your income increased.

Avoiding Coverage Gaps

To ensure continuous coverage during your transition:

  • Apply early: Start your Covered California application before Medi-Cal ends
  • Note key dates: Know exactly when your Medi-Cal terminates
  • Pick your plan in time: A plan picked before Medi-Cal ends starts on the 1st of the month after it ends
  • Pay immediately: Your Covered California coverage only begins after your first payment

Example Timeline

  • March 15: Report income increase to Medi-Cal
  • March 20: Apply for Covered California
  • March 25: Pay first premium
  • March 31: Medi-Cal coverage ends
  • April 1: Covered California coverage begins

Mixed Households: Some on Medi-Cal, Some on Covered California

It's common for family members to qualify for different programs based on individual circumstances.

Common Scenarios:

  • Children on Medi-Cal, parents on Covered California: Children may qualify for Medi-Cal at higher income levels
  • Pregnant women: May qualify for Medi-Cal even with higher income
  • Adults with disabilities: Different eligibility rules may apply
One Application: Apply through Covered California and the system will automatically determine if family members qualify for Medi-Cal.

Need Help with Your Transition?

Our licensed agents can guide you through the Medi-Cal to Covered California transition.

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