What is the maximum income to qualify for CHIP in California?
CHIP, or the Child Health Insurance Program, provides access to healthcare for poor children. What is the maximum income to qualify for CHIP in California?
In 2021, 3.5 percent of children in California lacked access to health insurance, according to researchers at Georgetown University. California is the largest state in terms of population, and compared to Texas and Florida —the two following most populous states— the rate of children without access to healthcare is much lower. In Texas, the figure was 11.8 percent, and in Florida, it was a touch lower at 7.3 percent.
California has expanded Medicaid and the Medi-Cal for Kids program to provide insurance coverage to more children. Currently, Medi-Cal covers one-third of the state’s residents. Although some critics see it as a significant public expense, the reality is that when people lack insurance, the health problems of those without insurance often go untreated until they require major interventions, which are much more expensive.
Who qualifies for Medi-Cal for Kids?
In California, Medi-Cal refers to the state’s Medicaid program. Additionally, there is a Child Health Insurance Program known as Med-Cal for Kids. While both of these programs are federally funded, they are administered by individual states and may have different names across the country. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, California was able to expand Medicaid and provide coverage to many previously ineligible residents.
In California, eligibility for Medi-Cal for Kids depends on the size of the household and that household’s income. For a single-parent household with one child, the parent’s annual income cannot surpass $52,456 (or $63,499 if the family lives in San Fransisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County).
| Household Size | Maximum Income | Maximum (San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara county) |
| 2 | $52,456 | $63,499 |
| 3 | $66,128 | $80,050 |
| 4 | $79,800 | $96,600 |
| 5 | $93,473 | $113,151 |
| 6 | $107,145 | $129,702 |
| 7 | $120,818 | $146, 253 |
| 8 | $124,490 | $162,804 |
Exceptions are made for those few counties in the Bay Area where the cost of living is much higher than other areas.
How to apply for Medi-Cal for Kids?
The amount a family pays for their Medi-Cal plan, which covers their children as well, is based on their income. Families with very low incomes pay nothing, while those with slightly higher incomes pay a small fee.
Those who are eligible can apply for coverage through the Covered California website.