When will Medi-Cal start counting assets?
Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will look at your assets (things you own) to decide if you can get or keep coverage. This applies if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
- Live in a nursing home
- Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
This means you’ll need to share information about what you own when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal.
What are assets?
Assets are things you own that have value. These can include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Second vehicles
- Second homes
- Other financial resources, no matter where they are
Examples of assets
| Your main home (where you live) | Second homes |
| Your main vehicle | Second vehicles |
| Household items (furniture, clothes) | Cash |
| Retirement funds (if you’re getting regular payments) | Bank accounts |
What are asset limits?
An asset limit is the most you can own in countable assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal.
Starting January 1, 2026:
- The limit is $130,000 for one person
- Add $65,000 for each additional family member (up to 10 people)
Not everyone in your home may count toward your family size. For example, adult children living with you are not included.
Some married couples or registered domestic partners may qualify for higher limits. Ask your county Medi-Cal office about Spousal Impoverishment (a rule that protects a spouse from losing all their assets).
Who do these limits apply to?
These limits apply to people who:
- Are 65 or older
- Have a disability
- Live in a nursing home
- Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
Why is this happening?
California passed a law that requires Medi-Cal to count assets for some Medi-Cal programs starting January 1, 2026.
What should I do now?
Right now, you don’t need to do anything.
If you already have Medi-Cal, you’ll report your assets when you renew your coverage on or after January 1, 2026.
If your assets are over the limit, you may want to:
- Spend some of your money
- Transfer some assets out of your name
If you’re over the limit when you renew, you may lose your Medi-Cal coverage.
Will giving away assets affect my Medi-Cal?
For most people, giving away or selling assets won’t affect Medi-Cal.
If you live in a nursing home or may need long-term care in the future:
- Assets you give away in 2025 will not affect your Medi-Cal
- Starting January 1, 2026, giving away assets for less than they’re worth could delay your long-term care coverage
How can I reduce my countable assets?
You can spend or give away countable assets to stay under the limit. This won’t affect your Medi-Cal in most cases.
If you may need long-term care, you must spend down your assets after January 1, 2026. This means using your money to buy things you need.
Examples:
- Pay medical bills
- Buy clothes or household items
- Pay rent or mortgage
- Pay for school
- Fix your home
- Pay off your car loan or other debts
What if I transfer assets and need long-term care?
If you move into a nursing home, Medi-Cal will look at any assets you gave away in the 30 months before you entered the facility. This is called a look-back period.
- Transfers made before January 1, 2026, will not be counted
- Transfers made on or after January 1, 2026, may cause a penalty that delays your coverage
How can I transfer assets without losing coverage?
You can give away or sell assets without losing Medi-Cal if:
- You give them to your spouse or someone helping your spouse
- You give them to your blind or disabled child
- You sell them for their full value
Ask your county Medi-Cal office for help with safe ways to transfer assets.
What if I live in a nursing home and have a spouse or partner?
If you’re married or in a registered domestic partnership, you may be able to split your assets with your spouse or partner. This can help you qualify for Medi-Cal.
What if I live in a nursing home and own a home?
If you own your home and plan to return to it, it won’t count against you.
Your home also won’t count if your:
- Spouse or partner lives there
- Dependent relative lives there
But any extra homes will count.
