Build the tax household
Include the tax filer, spouse, and tax dependents, even when some household members are not applying for coverage.
Income and immigration status
Covered California Eligibility
Understand how household income is estimated, who belongs on the application, and how citizenship or immigration status affects Covered California eligibility.
Individual Health Carriers
Household income
Estimate the coverage year, not just this month.
Covered California eligibility depends on more than current monthly income. The application uses the tax household, projected income for the coverage year, California residency, and citizenship or immigration information for people seeking coverage.
Establish a MAGI baseline
Start with adjusted gross income from a recent federal return, then add applicable MAGI items for household members.
Project the full year
Adjust for expected raises, job changes, self-employment results, retirement, or other changes during the coverage year.
Recent household AGI
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Applicable MAGI additions
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Expected yearly changes
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Projected annual household income
MAGI additions can include tax-exempt interest, nontaxable Social Security benefits, and excluded foreign income. Tax situations vary; this overview is not tax advice.
Income sources
What usually counts toward the estimate?
Covered California uses federal tax concepts. Review the official list when income is unusual, seasonal, or changing.
Commonly counted
Taxable and MAGI income
- Federal taxable wages and tips
- Net self-employment income
- Unemployment compensation
- Social Security and SSDI
- Retirement, pension, and investment income
Commonly not counted
Excluded from the estimate
- Child support and gifts
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans disability payments
- Workers' compensation
- Loan proceeds and the Child Tax Credit
Citizenship and immigration
Mixed-status families can still apply.
Only people seeking coverage need to meet the marketplace citizenship or lawful-presence rules. Other family members can remain on the application so household size and income are calculated correctly.
Citizens and lawfully present immigrants
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, green card holders, refugees, asylees, certain humanitarian statuses, and many valid visa holders may qualify when other requirements are met.
People who are not lawfully present
They cannot enroll in a Covered California marketplace plan, but they can apply for family members and be screened for Medi-Cal or other programs.
Current DACA rule
DACA recipients are no longer eligible for Covered California marketplace coverage under a federal rule that took effect in 2025. Other coverage may still be available.
Covered California states that application information is kept confidential. If immigration status cannot be verified electronically, it may request an accepted document from the person applying for coverage.
Application preparation
Gather the details that apply to your household.
Skyline can help organize application information and explain what Covered California is requesting, but tax and immigration questions may require advice from a qualified professional.
See documents used to confirm eligibility
Tax household
Tax filing status, spouse, dependents, and who needs coverage.
Income records
Recent tax return, pay information, self-employment records, and expected yearly changes.
Applicant documents
Social Security numbers when available and citizenship or immigration documents for people applying for coverage.
From our clients
Trusted health coverage guidance from a local team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Covered California Eligibility
What income does Covered California use?
Financial help is based on the household income you expect for the coverage year. The calculation generally starts with adjusted gross income and adds certain MAGI items, including tax-exempt interest, nontaxable Social Security, and excluded foreign income.
Who is included in a Covered California household?
A household generally includes the tax filer, a spouse, and tax dependents. Include household members even when some are not applying for health insurance.
Does self-employment income count?
Yes. Covered California generally uses net self-employment income after allowable business expenses, not gross business revenue. Tax treatment can vary, so use current records and seek tax advice when needed.
Which immigration statuses can qualify for Covered California?
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and many lawfully present immigrants can qualify when they meet the other eligibility rules. Examples include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, certain humanitarian statuses, and many valid nonimmigrant visa holders.
Can a mixed-status family apply?
Yes. Family members who are not seeking coverage can still be included so Covered California can determine household size and income. Immigration documents are requested for applicants when needed to verify eligibility.
Can a person with DACA enroll through Covered California?
No. Under a federal rule effective in 2025, DACA recipients are no longer eligible for marketplace coverage through Covered California. They may still qualify for Medi-Cal or other coverage depending on their circumstances.
Ready to compare Covered California?