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Pregnant Persons

If you are pregnant, Medi-Cal may provide you with free or low-cost health care coverage during your pregnancy and up to 365 days post-partum. Below you will find the information you need to find out if you qualify for any pregnancy related Medi-Cal programs.

A woman talking to a pregnant person
Basic Eligibility Requirements

Congratulations!  You’re expecting a baby!  DPSS wants to help you get the health coverage you need during your pregnancy.

  • You must be pregnant.
  • You must reside in California.
  • You must provide information about your income and
    other necessary information if requested.
  • If you file income taxes, then you must declare your tax filing
    status, however, it is not required that you file taxes to apply
    for Medi-Cal.
Income Requirements

Below are the income limits for pregnant individuals based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 

Be sure to count your unborn child (ren) in your family size.

Select MCAP for more information on Medi-Cal Access Program.

Income Levels for Pregnancy Programs
Family Size

No Cost

FULL-SCOPE 

Medi-Cal

0-138% FPL

PREGNANCY RELATED SERVICES

139-213% FPL

Medi-Cal Access Program

(MCAP)

214-322% FPL
1 $1,801 $2,780 $4,203
2 $2,433 $3,756 $5,677
3 $3,065 $4,731 $7,152
4 $3,699 $5,709 $8,603
5 $4,331 $6,684 $10,105
6 $4,963 $7,660 $11,580
7 $5,596 $8,638 $13,058
8 $6,228 $9,613 $14,532
Citizenship/Immigration Requirements

Currently, all California residents who meet eligibility requirements receive full scope Medi-Cal benefits regardless of immigration status.

Beginning January 1, 2026, adults 19 years and older with an unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS), that apply on or after January 1, 2026, will receive restricted Medi-Cal, if eligibility criteria is met.

Beneficiaries with UIS who applied for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, and were found eligible, will continue receiving Full-Scope Medi-Cal from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.  Starting on July 1, 2026, they will transition to Full-Scope Medi-Cal with No Dental.  All primary care services and medications will remain covered, except dental services.

Children (0–18) and pregnant persons remain eligible to apply for full-scope MC regardless of immigration status.

Renewal Requirements

Your family’s Medi-Cal eligibility must be reviewed at least once a year.  

Apply On-Line with BenefitsCal

The easiest and quickest way is to apply for Medi-Cal online at BenefitsCal.

Apply By Phone
You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.
Apply In Person
You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.
Other Health Resources
Frequently Asked Questions