How much savings can I have with Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Gabe Fahey V  |  Last update: April 27, 2025
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For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

How much money can I have in the bank and get Medi-Cal?

If you apply for Medi-Cal in 2023:

Medi-Cal will consider assets and income information as part of the application process. The current asset limit is $130,000 for one person. Each additional household member adds $65,000 to the asset limit. Up to 10 members can be in a household.

Does having a savings account affect Medi-Cal?

People who seek long-term care services through Medi-Cal because of age or disability will no longer be penalized for having savings, a change that will give them and their families greater financial security.

Does Medi-Cal check your bank account in California?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

Does Medicare look at your savings account?

Medicare examines your bank accounts and other assets when you seek financial help with Medicare costs. However, eligibility criteria and verification procedures differ by state of residence. In certain states, there are no asset limits for Medicare savings programs.

Do I Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?

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How much money does Medicare allow you to have in the bank?

This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.

What is the asset limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.

How do I protect my assets from Medi-Cal?

Proper elder law Medi-Cal planning is having all assets held in a decedent's revocable living trust to avoid both probate and Medi-Cal recovery. It is very important to plan for your loved ones by having a revocable living trust.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

Is there a dollar limit on the medical savings account?

2024 HSA contribution limits:

An individual with coverage under a qualifying high-deductible health plan (deductible not less than $1,600) can contribute up to $4,150 — up $300 from 2023 — for the year. The maximum out-of-pocket is capped at $8,050.

What is counted as income for Medi-Cal?

Income is considered when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income includes things such as, earnings from a job, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, self-employment income, retirement benefits, interest on assets, child or spousal support, and other means of income or support.

How much can I put in a medical savings account?

Limit on Contributions. The amount you or any other person can contribute to your HSA depends on the type of HDHP coverage you have, your age, the date you become an eligible individual, and the date you cease to be an eligible individual. For 2024, if you have self-only HDHP coverage, you can contribute up to $4,150.

Can I qualify for Medi-Cal if I have a savings account?

Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.

How much money can you have in the bank while on section 8?

There is no asset limit for families seeking to get into public housing, the Section 8 voucher program, or HUD federally subsidized multifamily housing.

How many cars can you own on Medicaid?

An applicant is allowed to own one car that's not included in your resource limit if it's used for transportation or by another person living in the house, such as a spouse. You also don't have to be the driver of the vehicle. It's important to know that the value of the vehicle doesn't matter.

How do I legally protect my assets from Medicaid?

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is exactly as it sounds—a trust designed to protect assets from being counted for Medicaid eligibility. An MAPT allows a person to qualify for long term care benefits from Medicaid, while protecting assets from being depleted if long-term care is needed.

Can Medi-Cal take my inheritance?

Estate Lawyer: Christopher B, Esq. Receiving an inheritance may impact eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. As a recipient of government benefits, you may not have more than $2,000 in assets before your eligibility for government benefits will be affected. To avoid this from happening is to disclaim your inheritance.

Can Medi-Cal ask for money back?

Involuntary Provider Reimbursement/Recoupment: If the provider does not voluntarily agree to reimburse the entire payment you made for a service that should have been covered by Medi-Cal. In this case, the payment of the entire expense you paid for that service will be recovered/recouped from the provider by Medi-Cal.

What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal?

The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

How far back does Medi-Cal look at assets?

The 30 month period in California (or 5 year period in other states) is known as the “look-back period.” In essence, state Medicaid agencies are “looking back” for assets transferred at less than fair market value.

How do I protect my home from Medi-Cal?

In California, once the house passes to the remainder beneficiaries, the state cannot recover against it for any Medicaid expenses that the life estate holder may have incurred. Another method of protecting the home from estate recovery is to transfer it to an irrevocable trust.