State RegulationsCA specific✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
Under California's Medi-Cal MAGI eligibility rules, which household income threshold applies to children under age 19?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Under the Medi-Cal modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) methodology, children under age 19 qualify for Medi-Cal when family income is up to 266% of the federal poverty level. Adults age 19-64 qualify at up to 138% of FPL, which is the threshold commonly cited for expansion adults. The 400% figure is the ceiling for premium tax credits on Covered California, and 100% is not a Medi-Cal MAGI threshold. The child vs. adult difference is a high-yield California number tested under AH-III.C.2 MAGI eligibility.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) 138% of FPL is the Medi-Cal MAGI threshold for adults age 19-64, not for children under 19.
- C) 400% of FPL is the income ceiling for APTC premium subsidies on the exchange, not the Medi-Cal child threshold.
- D) There is no 100% of FPL MAGI threshold; the child threshold of 266% is far higher.
Memory hook
Kids get more help: Medi-Cal covers children up to 266% FPL, adults only to 138%.