Patient Resources
Medi-Cal Asset Limits Are Back, for Some
Since January 1, 2026, California counts assets again for some Medi-Cal members. Most families and adults under 65 are not affected. Here is who is, and what counts.
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Written by the Health Service Alliance care team. Updated October 2026.
What changed
From 2024 through 2025, California did not count assets for any Medi-Cal applicant. On January 1, 2026, a limit came back for some members: $130,000 in countable assets for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member, up to ten people.
Who the limit applies to
- People whose Medi-Cal is based on being 65 or older
- People whose Medi-Cal is based on a disability
- People living in a nursing home
- People whose income is too high for regular Medi-Cal under federal tax rules
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Who it does not apply to
Most children, families, pregnant people, and adults under 65 qualify for Medi-Cal on income alone. For them, there is still no asset test: savings and property do not count.
What does not count toward the limit
- The home you live in
- The vehicle you use most
- Household items like furniture and clothes
- Retirement funds you receive regular payments from
What does count
- Bank accounts and cash
- Second vehicles, boats, and second homes
- Other savings and financial resources
Already on Medi-Cal?
If the limit applies to you, the county asks about your assets at your annual renewal. Watch for your renewal packet and answer it on time. If your assets are over the limit at renewal, you may lose coverage, so ask for help before you send it in.
Check your situation with us
Bring a pay stub, recent bank statements, and ten minutes. Our team looks at your household against the current rules, helps you apply or renew if it fits, and sets up the sliding-fee discount if it does not. Official details are at dhcs.ca.gov.
We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most plans
No insurance, or not sure what you have? You are still welcome, and our team helps you apply for Medi-Cal.
Sliding-fee scale available based on household income.
- Medi-Cal and Medicare welcomeAlong with IEHP and most major plans.
- Free coverage checkWe confirm your plan on the phone, at no cost.
- Sliding-fee scaleCosts adjusted to your income when you are uninsured.
- We help you apply for Medi-CalFree enrollment and renewal help, at any center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Anything else? Call us during business hours.
Do my savings count against me?
Only if your Medi-Cal is based on age 65+, a disability, a nursing home stay, or income over the regular limit. For most families and adults under 65, savings do not count.
Will I lose my house or my car?
Not because of the asset limit. The home you live in and the vehicle you use most do not count. A second car or second home does.
I am already on Medi-Cal. When does this affect me?
At your next annual renewal, and only if the limit applies to your category. Answer the renewal packet on time, and bring it to any of our centers if you want help.
Where do I verify the current rules?
The official source is dhcs.ca.gov, and benefitscal.com applies the current rules when you apply. Or bring your questions to any of our centers.
Your family deserves good care, close to home.
Call us to get seen, or check which plans we take. Medi-Cal and most plans accepted, and nobody is turned away for inability to pay.