International Students' Access To Medi-Cal: What You Need To Know

International students on non-immigrant visas in California can apply for health insurance through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no waiting period or five-year bar. As of 2024, adults aged 26 to 49 can qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status, although all other eligibility rules, including income limits, still apply. Individuals who are not lawfully present may qualify for coverage through Medi-Cal up to age 26 or for pregnancy coverage.

International students with worker or student visas can apply for Medi-Cal

Both lawfully present and non-lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to assess their eligibility for a health plan, be it through Covered California or Medi-Cal. There is no waiting period or five-year bar for applicants. This means that international students with worker or student visas can apply for health insurance without having to wait for a certain period, which is typically the case for non-citizens seeking certain benefits in the United States.

Additionally, a recent federal rule change will allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to enroll in a health plan through Covered California from November 1, 2024, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. Eligible DACA recipients may also be able to receive financial assistance.

To apply for health insurance in California, individuals can call (800) 300-1506, apply online, or seek assistance from a certified enroller or their county. By utilizing these application methods, international students with worker or student visas can take the necessary steps to obtain health insurance coverage through Medi-Cal or other available plans in California.

DACA recipients can enrol in a health plan through Covered California

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients can enrol in a health plan through Covered California. This is the result of a federal rule change that came into effect on November 1, 2024, allowing DACA recipients to be eligible for health insurance.

DACA recipients must meet the same eligibility criteria as other applicants, including being a California resident, not incarcerated, and being lawfully present. To confirm lawful presence, Covered California will match the information submitted by the applicant against federal data sources. It is recommended that applicants also submit information confirming their DACA status, such as a Notice of Action (Form I-797) or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

DACA recipients can apply for health insurance online or by phone with the help of a service centre representative, a certified enroller, or a licensed agent. They may also qualify for financial aid. It is important to note that this rule change does not apply to 19 states that filed a lawsuit to block it, and as of December 23, 2024, the court blocked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing the new DACA rule in these states.

Prior to this rule change, DACA recipients were explicitly made ineligible for ACA marketplaces under the Obama Administration. The Biden Administration's proposed rule change includes DACA recipients in the category of "lawfully present" immigrants, allowing them to enrol in health insurance and receive subsidized coverage, filling a coverage gap for an estimated 40,000 uninsured Californians.

There is no waiting period or five-year bar for international students

International students on non-immigrant visas, including those with student visas, can apply for Medi-Cal. From January 1, 2024, adults in California between the ages of 26 and 49 will be eligible for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status. This means that international students in this age bracket will also be able to qualify for Medi-Cal.

While there is no waiting period or five-year bar specifically for international students, it is important to note that other Medi-Cal eligibility rules will still apply. These rules include income limits, which are a standard component of Medi-Cal eligibility assessments. Both lawfully present and not lawfully present individuals can apply through Covered California to determine their eligibility for a health plan, whether it is through Covered California or Medi-Cal.

The lack of a waiting period or five-year bar for international students demonstrates California's commitment to ensuring healthcare accessibility for its diverse population, including those on student visas. This policy decision recognizes the importance of providing equal access to healthcare services, regardless of immigration status, and promotes the overall health and well-being of the international student community in California. By removing potential barriers to healthcare access, international students can focus on their academic pursuits while having peace of mind regarding their healthcare coverage.

Income limits will apply to international students applying for Medi-Cal

International students in California can apply for Medi-Cal, a state and federally funded health care program for low-income individuals. The income limits for Medi-Cal vary based on factors such as marital status, and the state offers multiple pathways to eligibility.

For a single individual in 2025, the income limit for Medi-Cal eligibility is an income of less than $3,260 per month or $39,120 per year. This limit is based on an individual's gross income minus certain deductions, and it is important to note that disability income is not considered for this calculation. For example, an individual with no unearned income can earn up to $79,270 a year in gross income and still be eligible for the program.

For married couples, the income limit is $4,406 per month or $52,872 per year. In this scenario, only the income of the applicant spouse is considered for eligibility. Additionally, the non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA), which is intended to prevent spousal impoverishment. In 2025, the MMNA in California is $3,948 per month.

It is worth noting that some types of income are not counted towards the Medi-Cal income limit, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and certain retirement account contributions. Additionally, individuals with disabilities may qualify for Medi-Cal even if they have a higher income or are on Medicare through programs such as Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level Medi-Cal (A&D FPL) and SSI-linked Medi-Cal.

Adults aged 26-49 in California, regardless of immigration status, can qualify

As of January 1, 2024, adults in California between the ages of 26 and 49 will be able to qualify for Medi-Cal, regardless of their immigration status. This means that individuals in this age group, including international students, who are residing in California but do not have lawful permanent resident status, may be eligible for health insurance coverage through the state's Medi-Cal program.

It is important to note that while the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility removes the barrier of immigration status for this specific age group, there may still be other requirements that individuals need to meet to qualify for coverage. For example, income limits and other Medi-Cal eligibility rules will still apply. Therefore, it is recommended that potential applicants review the full list of eligibility criteria to determine if they meet the requirements for enrollment.

International students in California who are seeking health insurance coverage have several options to consider. Firstly, they can explore the possibility of enrolling in Medi-Cal, especially if they fall within the eligible age group of 26 to 49 as of 2024. By contacting the Department of Health Care Services or visiting the Covered California website, individuals can learn more about the specific eligibility requirements and application process for Medi-Cal.

Additionally, it is worth noting that non-immigrant status holders, including those on student visas, may also be eligible for health insurance plans through Covered California. Covered California offers a range of health plans and provides an avenue for individuals, regardless of their lawful presence in the state, to find a suitable health coverage option. Eligible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, for instance, can enroll in a health plan through Covered California starting November 1, 2024, and may also be eligible for financial assistance.

Overall, the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility to include adults aged 26 to 49, regardless of immigration status, represents a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals residing in California have access to essential health care services. By removing the barrier of immigration status for this age group, California is taking a proactive approach to promoting health equity and improving health outcomes for a diverse range of residents within the state.

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