A 14-year-old California resident lives in a household whose income equals 250 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Regarding Medi-Cal eligibility, this child:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why B is correct
Under the MAGI eligibility rules for Medi-Cal, children under age 19 qualify when household income is up to 266 percent of the federal poverty level, while adults aged 19 through 64 qualify only up to 138 percent FPL. A 14-year-old in a household at 250 percent FPL is below the 266 percent child threshold and therefore may qualify for Medi-Cal. These income bands are expressly stated in the PPACA overview portion of the A&H objectives (AH-III.C.2), which tests the distinct thresholds for adults and children. The correct approach is to compare household income to the child-specific threshold, not to the adult limit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) Medi-Cal is not limited to adults; children under 19 have their own, higher eligibility threshold of 266 percent FPL.
- C) The child threshold is 266 percent FPL, so a household at 250 percent is not required to be below 100 percent to qualify.
- D) Parental employment status does not disqualify an otherwise income-eligible child under the MAGI rules.
Memory hook
Kids ride Medi-Cal up to 266% FPL; adults stop at 138%.