qualifying for medi-cal with assets

Qualifying for Nursing Home Medi-CAL with Assets

Qualifying for California Medi-Cal…Asset Limits are Changing January 1, 2026

Life is always a bit crazy in California and their Medi-Cal Benefits Program! Here we go with NEW CHANGES starting 1/1/2026…

Effective January 1, 2026, California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, and the California Legislature recently announced a Medi-Cal Budget Agreement, which includes a major change for older adults and persons with disabilities who need Medi-Cal benefits, including qualifying for Long Term Care in a Skilled Nursing Home.

LA LAW Center can help you understand and move assets to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits in 2026 and beyond. Call (818) 241-4238.

The asset limits to qualify for Medi-Cal will be reinstated for non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs, back to the below listed 2022 levels:

  1. $130,000 for an individual,
  2. and $65,000 for each additional household member.
  3. Assets exclude your home (residence) as this is exempt from asset count! (rental or extra properties are counted!)
  4. For couples receiving Spousal Impoverishment protections, additional asset limits will apply.

Specific Income Limits for Long-Term Care:

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (as of April 2025 – March 2026):

  • Single Applicant: $1,732 per month.
  • Married Couple: A combined $2,433 per month.
  • Nursing Home Care has more complicated limits (call us for consultation to explain how a share of cost works for a married couple)

Medi-Cal Monthly Income Limits (as of April 2025 – March 2026):

Adults – (19-64) Below 138% of the FPL:

  • 1-person household: $1,801
  • 2-person household: $2,433
  • 3-person household: $3,065
  • 4-person household: $3,696

Children – Up to 266% of the FPL:

  • 1-person household: $3,472
  • 2-person household: $4,690
  • 3-person household: $5,908

NOTE: Asset Limits for SSI remain the same at:

  • Bank accounts, stocks, and bonds:
    • Single Individual: $2,000
    • Married Couple: $3,000
  • More than one vehicle: (one vehicle used for transportation is excluded)
  • Life insurance policies: (with a combined face value of $1,500 or less excluded)
  • Household goods and personal effects: (e.g., wedding rings, furniture excluded)
  • One home and the land it is on: (you must live there)
  • Burial spaces and funds: for you and your spouse (up to $1,500 each for burial funds)

 
LA Law can help you to keep SSI Benefits when expecting an inheritance or a lawsuit settlement!
We set up a Special Needs Trust (if you are under 65 years old) and have the money or assets go directly into this trust to protect your SSI benefits!

Please call (818) 241-4238 to get a phone consultation on how to meet these limits if you have more assets.

Joseph McHugh and Kathy McHugh

Only Seek Counsel From An Experienced Elder Law Attorney

Do not believe everything you hear about Medi-Cal or Spend Downs from Social Workers, Financial Planners, CPAs, or try to file a Medi-Cal application on your own, until you have a consultation to an experienced Elder Law Attorney. You will be amazed at what is strategies are legally available to allow you to Qualify for Medi-Cal with Assets!

 

After a thorough review of the best strategies for your family situation and our fees for the scope of work, we will structure a comprehensive legal plan created specifically to give you (or your loved one) the best care possible, while protecting your family assets.

Our Law Firm is centrally located in Burbank (Southern California); however, our Elder Law Lawyer, Joe McHugh and his wife Kathy McHugh, serve many clients throughout the state of California, as Medi-Cal is a state and federal program. We are very proud of the many personal and professional referrals we receive from happy clients and colleagues.

Call for a phone consultation: (818) 241-4238. Or you can submit this form to request a consultation.