qualifying for medi-cal with assets

California Medi-Cal Asset Limits Changing in 2026
How to Qualify for Nursing Home Medi-Cal While Protecting Your Assets

California’s Medi-Cal eligibility rules are changing again beginning January 1, 2026. These new rules may significantly impact seniors, disabled individuals, and families planning for long-term care or nursing home placement.

Joseph McHugh and the team at LA LAW Center help families throughout California legally protect assets and qualify for Medi-Cal benefits for nursing home care and long-term care services.

Call Today for a Consultation (818) 241-4238.

Important Medi-Cal Changes Effective January 1, 2026

Under California’s updated Medi-Cal Budget Agreement, asset limits for many non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs will return beginning in 2026.

New Medi-Cal Asset Limits for 2026

  1. Single Individual: $130,000
  2. Additional Household Member: Add $65,000 per person

These asset limits apply to many seniors and disabled individuals seeking:

  • Nursing home Medi-Cal
  • Long-term care Medi-Cal
  • Skilled nursing facility benefits
  • Home and community-based care services

What Assets Are Exempt for Medi-Cal?

Certain assets are excluded from Medi-Cal calculations.

Exempt Assets May Include:

  • Your primary residence
  • One vehicle used for transportation
  • Household furniture and personal belongings
  • Wedding rings and personal effects
  • Burial funds (within allowable limits)
  • Certain life insurance policies

Assets That May Count Against Eligibility

  • Rental properties
  • Vacation homes
  • Additional real estate
  • Excess cash or savings
  • Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts

Proper legal planning may help preserve assets while maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility.

Medi-Cal Income Limits for Long-Term Care

Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (April 2025 – March 2026)

  • Single Applicant: $1,732 per month.
  • Married Couple: $2,433 combined monthly income

Nursing home Medi-Cal rules for married couples can be more complex because of “share of cost” calculations and spousal protections.

We recommend speaking directly with an experienced elder law attorney to understand your options.

California Medi-Cal Monthly Income Limits

Adults Ages 19–64 (138% Federal Poverty Level)

Household Size Monthly Income Limit

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

Children (Up to 266% Federal Poverty Level)

Household Size Monthly Income Limit

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

SSI Asset Limits Still Apply

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) asset limits remain unchanged:

  • Single Individual: $2,000
  • Married Couple: $3,000

Countable assets may include:

  • Bank accounts
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Additional vehicles
  • Non-exempt property

However, many important assets remain exempt under SSI rules.

Protecting SSI Benefits After an Inheritance or Lawsuit Settlement

Receiving an inheritance or settlement can place SSI and Medi-Cal benefits at risk.

Our office helps clients establish Special Needs Trusts designed to protect public benefits eligibility while preserving inherited assets.

Special Needs Trust Planning May Help:

  • Preserve SSI benefits
  • Maintain Medi-Cal eligibility
  • Protect inherited funds
  • Provide long-term financial support

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

Joseph McHugh and Kathy McHugh

Why You Should Speak With an Experienced Elder Law Attorney

Many families receive incorrect advice about Medi-Cal eligibility, spend-down rules, or asset protection strategies.

Before transferring assets or submitting a Medi-Cal application, consult with an experienced elder law attorney who understands California’s complex eligibility rules.

 

Legal planning strategies may help you:

  • Protect family assets
  • Preserve a home or savings
  • Qualify for nursing home Medi-Cal
  • Avoid costly mistakes
  • Create a long-term care plan

Elder Law & Medi-Cal Planning Throughout California

Joseph McHugh and Kathy McHugh assist families throughout California with:

  • Medi-Cal planning
  • Nursing home eligibility
  • Asset protection strategies
  • Long-term care planning
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • SSI preservation planning

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

Schedule a Medi-Cal Planning Consultation

If you or a loved one may need nursing home care, long-term care Medi-Cal, or help protecting assets while qualifying for benefits, contact our office today.

Call: (818) 241-4238

We help California families navigate Medi-Cal eligibility and elder law planning with clarity, compassion, and experience.