Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medi-Cal and 250% Working Disabled Program California

Your parent is over 65, partially sighted, or has a qualifying disability — and you're trying to figure out which Medi-Cal pathway gets them coverage for long-term care. California has specific programs for these populations with different income thresholds, and the 250% Working Disabled Program is one of the most efficient pathways available for employed disabled adults.

Here's how each program works in 2026.

Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medi-Cal

The ABD Federal Poverty Level program is the primary Medi-Cal pathway for seniors aged 65+ and individuals who are blind or disabled under Social Security standards.

2026 income limits (effective April 1, 2026):

• Single individual: approximately $1,835/month
• Married couple: approximately $2,489/month

Income is calculated by subtracting a $230 unearned-income disregard (single) or $310 (couple) and a standard $20 "any-income" disregard from gross monthly income. Unearned income includes Social Security, pensions, and IRA distributions. The unearned disregard is applied first; any unused portion reduces earned income.

2026 asset limits: $130,000 individual / $195,000 couple (reinstated under AB 116).

Applicants who fall within both limits receive full-scope Medi-Cal with zero Share of Cost — complete coverage for long-term care including IHSS, waiver programs, and institutional care.

If income exceeds the ABD threshold, the applicant isn't denied — they route into the Medically Needy Share of Cost program, which has no income ceiling but requires a monthly deductible payment.

The 250% Working Disabled Program

For adults with disabilities who are employed, the 250% Working Disabled Program (WDP) offers remarkably generous eligibility:

• Income limit: Up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level — $3,325/month for an individual, $4,400/month for a couple
• Asset limit: $130,000 (same as ABD)
• Monthly premium: $0 in 2026 (reduced from prior years)

This combination — high income threshold, standard asset limit, and zero premium — makes the WDP one of the most accessible Medi-Cal pathways in the state. An adult earning $3,300/month from employment who has a qualifying disability gets full Medi-Cal coverage at no monthly cost.

To qualify, the applicant must:

1. Have a disability determination from the Social Security Administration or meet California's independent disability standard
2. Be employed (any level of employment counts — there is no minimum hours requirement)
3. Have countable income at or below 250% FPL after applicable disregards

The WDP is particularly valuable for adults who are transitioning between the workforce and full retirement. A 60-year-old with a chronic disability who works part-time can maintain comprehensive Medi-Cal coverage while earning well above the standard ABD income limit.

Populations Exempt from the 2026 Asset Reinstatement

Certain disability-related programs continue to operate with no asset test at all:

• Pickle Amendment recipients — individuals whose Social Security cost-of-living increases pushed them over the SSI threshold
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) beneficiaries — adults who became disabled before age 22 and receive Social Security benefits on a parent's record
• Disabled Widow/Widower (DWW) beneficiaries — surviving spouses who became disabled within 7 years of the spouse's death

These populations were deliberately excluded from the AB 116 asset reinstatement and face no countable asset limit for Medi-Cal purposes.

Choosing the Right Pathway

The decision tree is straightforward:

1. Working with a disability? Start with the 250% WDP — highest income threshold, zero premium
2. Retired or not working, income under $1,835/month? ABD FPL — zero Share of Cost
3. Income above $1,835/month? Medically Needy SOC — no income ceiling, monthly deductible
4. Receiving Pickle/DAC/DWW benefits? No asset test applies, regardless of savings

Our California Medicaid Long-Term Care & Asset Protection Guide includes the eligibility pathway decision tree and application checklists for each program.

See more California guides →