As of January 1, 2026, California has reinstated asset limits for non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs. Individuals may generally have up to $130,000 in countable assets, while married couples are limited to $195,000.
A San Ramon Medi-Cal planning attorney helps individuals and families prepare for these rules so they can qualify for long-term care benefits while protecting savings and property when possible. At Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, we represent clients throughout San Ramon and Contra Costa County who are planning for nursing home care, in-home support services, or future long-term care needs. Because Medi-Cal will review assets again at renewal, planning ahead can help prevent eligibility problems and unnecessary financial loss.
What Is the Medi-Cal Asset Limit in California in 2026?
California eliminated Medi-Cal asset tests in 2024, but state policy changes have restored limits beginning in 2026 for non-MAGI programs, which are programs that evaluate both income and assets when determining eligibility.
Current Medi-Cal asset limits:
- $130,000 for an individual
- $195,000 for a married couple
Some assets count toward the limit, while others are exempt under Medi-Cal rules.
For people who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal, these limits will typically be reviewed at their first eligibility renewal in 2026. Planning before that renewal date can prevent interruptions in benefits.
Why Work with Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning
Medi-Cal eligibility rules are detailed, and the reinstated asset limits mean many families must reconsider financial decisions that were made when assets were not counted. Our firm works closely with individuals and families who want to prepare for long-term care while protecting allowable property.
Clients choose Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning because we:
- Help clients understand California Medi-Cal eligibility rules
- Develop strategies designed to preserve allowable assets
- Assist with applications, renewals, and required documentation
- Coordinate Medi-Cal planning with estate planning tools
- Serve individuals and families throughout San Ramon and Contra Costa County
Our goal is to help you understand the rules and take practical steps that position you for Medi-Cal eligibility when long-term care becomes necessary.
What Assets Count Toward Medi-Cal Eligibility?
Under the reinstated rules, Medi-Cal again evaluates certain countable assets when determining financial eligibility.
Countable assets generally include:
- Bank accounts and savings
- Cash
- Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
- Additional vehicles beyond one
- Certain retirement funds, depending on withdrawal status
If the total value of countable assets exceeds the limit, Medi-Cal may require a spend-down before eligibility begins.
However, many types of property are considered exempt assets. Common exemptions include:
- A primary residence, subject to equity limits
- One vehicle used by the household
- Personal belongings and household goods
- Certain burial arrangements
Although a home may be exempt for eligibility purposes, it may still be subject to Medi-Cal estate recovery after death in some circumstances.
When Will Current Medi-Cal Members Be Affected?
Many California residents enrolled in Medi-Cal during the period when asset tests were eliminated may assume those rules still apply. That is no longer the case.
Beginning in 2026, the California Department of Health Care Services will review assets again for non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs. Current beneficiaries will generally have their countable assets reviewed at their first annual renewal in 2026.
If assets exceed the new limits at that time, benefits may be delayed or suspended until eligibility is restored.
Planning ahead allows families to:
- review current savings and investments
- consider lawful ways to reduce countable assets
- avoid rushed financial decisions during a care crisis
How Medi-Cal Planning Can Help Protect Assets
Medi-Cal planning focuses on arranging finances within program rules while preparing for long-term care costs.
Depending on the situation, planning strategies may include:
- converting countable assets into exempt property
- paying off debt or making improvements to a primary residence
- prepaying burial expenses
- evaluating trust-based planning options
Each situation is different. Some transfers can trigger a penalty period that delays Medi-Cal eligibility, so financial decisions should be reviewed carefully before assets are moved or gifted.
When Should You Start Medi-Cal Planning?
Many families begin Medi-Cal planning only after a nursing home stay becomes necessary. Planning earlier often provides more options.
You may want to speak with a Medi-Cal planning attorney if:
- A parent or spouse may need nursing home care in the near future
- A loved one is already receiving long-term care or in-home support
- You are enrolled in Medi-Cal and approaching a 2026 renewal
- Your savings exceed the new asset limits
- You want to protect a home or other property while preparing for care
Because Medi-Cal eligibility can depend on asset levels at the time of application or renewal, planning before a care crisis often allows more choices.
Contact a San Ramon Medi-Cal Planning Attorney
The reinstatement of Medi-Cal asset limits in 2026 means many California families will need to review financial plans that were created when assets were not counted. Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning works with individuals and families in San Ramon and throughout Contra Costa County to review eligibility, identify countable assets, and prepare for long-term care planning.
Contact Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning today to schedule a consultation and discuss how Medi-Cal planning can help you prepare for long-term care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medi-Cal count my home as an asset?
In most cases, a primary residence is exempt if the applicant intends to return home or if a spouse continues to live there. Equity limits may still apply.
What happens if my assets exceed the Medi-Cal limit?
If countable assets exceed the limit, Medi-Cal may require a spend-down before approving benefits. Planning may help convert assets into exempt categories.
Do asset limits apply to every Medi-Cal program?
No. Asset limits mainly apply to non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs, including long-term care coverage. Many income-based Medi-Cal programs do not have an asset test.
Can giving assets to family members affect eligibility?
Yes. Certain transfers made before applying for Medi-Cal can trigger a penalty period that delays benefits.