non-crisis-medi-cal

Non-Crisis Medi-CAL Planning

non-crisis medi-cal planning

2027 California Medi-Cal Asset Limit Changes Are Coming. Start Planning Now!

Please call our office at (818) 241-4238 to schedule a phone consultation and discuss your options.

If you or a loved one may need help paying for long-term care now or in the near future, the upcoming changes to California’s Medi-Cal asset limits could significantly affect eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. Proper planning today can help protect your savings and preserve your family’s financial security.

If you are already receiving Medi-Cal benefits and/or have IHSS care, you will be required to meet new asset limits.

What Is Changing in 2027?

Under California’s newly approved 2027 Medi-Cal budget:

Current 2026 Asset Limits:

  • $130,000 for an individual
  • $195,000 for a married couple

Effective July 1, 2027, Asset Limits Will Decrease To:

  • $21,000 for an individual
  • $31,000 for a married couple

What These Changes Mean for Families

The new asset limits represent a substantial reduction in the amount of savings and resources an individual or couple may retain while qualifying for Medi-Cal benefits. For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, these changes could impact long-term care planning, financial security, and access to essential healthcare services.

While the final limits are less restrictive than earlier proposals, many California families will still need to reevaluate their plans to ensure continued eligibility and asset protection.

Planning Ahead… Can Help Protect What You’ve Worked Hard to Build.

The good news is that there are legal planning strategies that may help protect assets while maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility. Every family’s circumstances are unique, and early planning often provides the greatest flexibility and protection.

Our Elder Law team can help you:

  • Understand how the new Medi-Cal rules may affect your family
  • Explore asset protection strategies
  • Plan for potential nursing home or assisted living costs
  • Preserve assets for a spouse and loved ones
  • Develop a comprehensive long-term care plan

Will Medi-Cal Asset Limits Decrease Again?

Many Elder Law professionals anticipate that California may continue to align its Medi-Cal eligibility rules more closely with the Federal Medicaid standards ($2,000 / $3,000) in 2028 or soon after.

Proper Medi-Cal planning NOW can help you stay ahead of potential changes and avoid unnecessary financial stress later. Timing is critical in this process.

Schedule a Phone Consultation (818) 241-4238

If you or a family member may require skilled nursing care or long-term care services in the coming years, now is the time to prepare.

Protect your assets. Preserve your eligibility. Plan with confidence.

Our mission is to help families in California with Medi-Cal planning.

Protect Your Home, Savings & Family Before a Health Crisis Happens

Many families believe Medi-Cal planning only becomes important after a medical emergency or nursing home placement. In reality, the best time to plan is before a crisis occurs.

Joseph McHugh and the team at LA LAW Center help California families proactively prepare for long-term care needs while protecting family assets, homes, and retirement savings.

Schedule a Phone Consultation Today

Call: (818) 241-4238

What Is Non-Crisis Medi-Cal Planning?

Non-crisis Medi-Cal planning involves preparing in advance for the possibility of:

  • Nursing home care
  • Memory care
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • Stroke recovery
  • Long-term custodial care
  • Serious illness or injury

Planning before a health emergency may provide more legal options for protecting assets and qualifying for future Medi-Cal benefits.

Why Families Should Plan Before a Crisis

Many seniors are healthy today but may still face long-term care needs later in life.

Adult children often contact our office after noticing signs of aging in a parent, including:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty managing finances
  • Mobility issues
  • Early dementia symptoms
  • Increasing medical concerns

Planning early may help preserve:

  • The family home
  • Retirement savings
  • Investment assets
  • Family wealth
  • Future care options

It can also help families avoid unnecessary stress during a medical emergency.

The High Cost of Long-Term Care in California

Long-term care expenses in Southern California can be financially devastating without proper planning.

Average Nursing Home Costs

  • Custodial nursing care: Often exceeds $13,000 per month
  • Sub-acute care: May exceed $30,000 per month

Medicare typically covers only a limited period of skilled nursing care, often up to 100 days under qualifying circumstances.

After Medicare coverage ends, families are frequently required to privately pay for ongoing care unless Medi-Cal eligibility has been established.

Protect Against Medi-Cal Estate Recovery

Many families worry about losing the family home or other assets after receiving Medi-Cal benefits.

Strategic elder law planning may help reduce exposure to Medi-Cal estate recovery claims while preserving assets for spouses and children.

Our office helps families understand available legal strategies designed to protect:

  • Real estate
  • Savings
  • Family inheritances
  • Retirement assets
  • Long-term financial security

Important Medi-Cal Asset Limits for 2026

California has implemented significant changes to Medi-Cal eligibility rules beginning January 1, 2026.

2026 Medi-Cal Asset Limits

  • Single Individual: $130,000
  • Additional Household Member: Add $65,000 per person

Exempt Assets May Include:

  • Primary residence
  • One vehicle
  • Household furnishings
  • Personal belongings
  • Certain burial funds

Countable Assets May Include:

  • Rental properties
  • Investment accounts
  • Excess savings
  • Additional real estate

For married couples, additional spousal impoverishment protections may apply.

California Medi-Cal 5-Year Look Back

Beginning January 1, 2026, California will also implement a 5-year Medi-Cal look back period for certain long-term care programs.

This means asset transfers and financial transactions may be reviewed when determining eligibility for nursing home Medi-Cal benefits.

Planning before the new rules take effect may provide additional opportunities for legal asset protection strategies.

Special Needs Trust Planning

If a loved one expects to receive an inheritance or lawsuit settlement, public benefits such as SSI or Medi-Cal may be affected.

Our office helps eligible individuals establish Special Needs Trusts to help preserve:

  • SSI eligibility
  • Medi-Cal benefits
  • Long-term financial support

Special Needs Trusts are commonly used for beneficiaries under age 65.

Work With an Experienced California Elder Law Attorney

Medi-Cal planning rules are highly technical and constantly changing.

Families should not rely solely on advice from:

  • Social workers
  • Financial advisors
  • Insurance agents
  • Online articles
  • DIY Medi-Cal applications

Experienced elder law guidance can help families avoid costly mistakes and identify legal planning opportunities that may not otherwise be considered.

Elder Law & Medi-Cal Planning Throughout California

Joseph McHugh and Triage Director Kathy McHugh assist families throughout California with:

  • Non-crisis Medi-Cal planning
  • Long-term care planning
  • Nursing home Medi-Cal eligibility
  • Asset protection strategies
  • Estate recovery protection
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • Elder law planning

Our office is conveniently located in Burbank and serves clients statewide.

Schedule a Medi-Cal Planning Phone Consultation

If you want to protect your home, savings, and family before a long-term care crisis occurs, contact our office today.

Call: (818) 241-4238

Early planning can help preserve your assets, protect your family, and prepare for the future with confidence.