Changes to Medi-Cal Asset Limits Rules
A new California law sets a limit on the total amount of assets (property) a person or family can have to qualify for Medi-Cal.
Starting January 1, 2026, California will count assets when determining eligibility for Medi-Cal members and applicants whose eligibility is based on being age 65 or older, having a disability, living in a nursing home, or being part of a family that is over the income for Medi-Cal using federal tax rules.
The following extract is from the California Department of Health Care Services Letter No.: I 25-23 (page 3-7)
A new California law sets a limit on the total amount of assets (property) a person or
family can have to qualify for Medi-Cal.Starting January 1, 2026, California will count assets when determining eligibility for Medi-Cal members and applicants whose eligibility is based on being age 65 or older, having a disability, living in a nursing home, or being part of a family that is over the income for Medi-Cal using federal tax rules.
The new asset limits are:
- $130,000 for one person.
- Plus $65,000 for each additional household member (up to 10 people total).
- There may be higher asset limits for some married couples and registered
- domestic partners (ask your county office about “Spousal Impoverishment” to see
- if you qualify).
What are assets?
Assets are things you own that have a monetary value. Assets include:
- Bank accounts (checking, savings, CD balances)
- Cash
- Secondary vehicles and homes (secondary homes meaning homes you own, but do not live in)
- Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
- Other financial resources, no matter where those items are located
Assets also include things you own jointly with others.
Some Assets Do Not Count
Some things you own do not count toward the asset limit, such as:
- The home you live in
- One vehicle
- Household items
- Certain retirement accounts
- Not all assets count toward the asset limit, but all assets should be reported so the county Medi-Cal office can make an official decision.
If you have too many counted assets, you may reduce your assets to continue to
qualify.You do not need to do anything right now. If you already have Medi-Cal, you must report your assets when you renew your coverage or report any changes on or after January 1, 2026.
However, if you are over the asset limit, you may want to consider spending some of
your money or transferring countable assets out of your name so you can continue
receiving coverage.If you do not meet the asset limit at the time of your renewal, you
may lose your Medi-Cal coverage.
Please contact us for more information, we’re here to assist you.
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