Medi-Cal Asset Limit: $130,000 Now, $21,000 From July 2027

Who is affected

According to DHCS, Medi-Cal counts assets for people 65 and older, people with a physical, mental, or developmental disability, people who live in a nursing home, and some families whose income is above the level counted under federal tax rules.

If you are not sure which group you are in, read your county renewal letter or ask your county social services office.

The current limit and the new limit

Through June 30, 2027, the limit is $130,000 for one person. Each additional person in the household adds $65,000, up to 10 people. For example, a household of two is $195,000. How the county decides who is in the household (adult children usually are not) and the protections for the spouse of a nursing home resident have many special cases, so ask the county which limit applies to your family.

From July 1, 2027, the limit drops to $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two people. Each additional person adds $1,550. Because the new limit is much lower, some people who qualify today may not qualify at their first renewal after that date.

Assets that are not counted

DHCS lists these assets as not counted: your main home, your main vehicle, household items such as furniture and clothes, and retirement funds if you are receiving regular payments from them.

Assets that usually count include cash, bank accounts, savings, stocks, and a second home or land. The detailed rules have many special cases, so check with the county or HICAP before deciding on your own.

Nursing homes: the 30 month look-back

This rule is about Medi-Cal paying for long-term care such as a nursing home. Medi-Cal reviews transfers of assets made in the 30 months before you enter the facility. According to DHCS, transfers or gifts made on or after January 1, 2026 can cause a penalty that delays when Medi-Cal starts paying for long-term care. There are some exceptions.

So do not rush to give money to family or put the house in someone else's name just to get under the limit. If your family is considering this, talk to an elder law attorney first.

If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal

Many seniors have both Medicare and Medi-Cal (often called Medi-Medi). If you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal after July 1, 2027, ask ahead of time how that would affect your Medicare premiums, drug costs, and current plan.

Before your renewal, you can ask HICAP (free, unbiased Medicare counseling) or a licensed Medicare agent about your options. Buying insurance is not a requirement to apply for Medi-Cal.

Do I need to do anything right now?

According to DHCS, no. People who already have Medi-Cal report assets at renewal. Read your renewal letter carefully and answer on time.

Does the home I live in count?

No. DHCS says your main home is not counted. A second home or land usually is.

Does a 401(k) or IRA count?

DHCS says retirement funds are not counted if you are receiving regular payments from them. If you are not taking regular payments, ask the county, because the account may count.

Should I give money to my children to get under the limit?

Do not rush. If you later need Medi-Cal to pay for a nursing home, Medi-Cal reviews transfers made in the 30 months before, and transfers on or after January 1, 2026 can be penalized (with some exceptions). Talk to an elder law attorney first.

Is QualitySpace a Medi-Cal office?

No. QualitySpace Insurance Agency is a private insurance agency in Westminster. It is not a government office and is not connected with Medi-Cal, CalOptima Health, or the federal Medicare program. To apply for or renew Medi-Cal, contact your county social services office or BenefitsCal.