What are the new rules for Medi-Cal 2024?

Asked by: Kristopher Boyle DDS  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

eligibility for Medi-Cal. 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 is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024 in California?

For 2024, the income limits are generally expressed as a percentage of the FPL and vary by the individual's category. For example, an individual may qualify for Medi-Cal if their yearly income is at or below $20,783. A couple may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is at or below $28,208.

What is changing with Medi-Cal in 2024?

Medi-Cal health plans will have new rules starting in 2024. They are to advance health equity, quality, access, accountability, and transparency. As part of this, some Medi-Cal health plans will change on January 1, 2024. The change to a new Medi-Cal health plan does not affect your Medi-Cal eligibility or benefits.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

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.

Medi-Cal Updates for 2024 (What you need to know!)

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How does Medi-Cal verify income?

Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.

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.

Is there a look back period for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Medi-Cal's Look-Back Period is obsolete. The Look-Back Period is still relevant. On 1/1/24, California's Look-Back Period was the 30-month period that immediately preceded the date a nursing home resident submitted a Medi-Cal application or the date a Medi-Cal beneficiary was admitted to a nursing home.

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

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.

Can you go to Kaiser if you have Medi-Cal?

At Kaiser Permanente, you have a wide network of doctors and specialists to choose from. All of our doctors accept Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal members. Get care from a doctor or specialist – including appointments, exams, and treatment.

What happens to my Medi-Cal when I turn 65?

If you are aged (65+) or disabled and are not eligible for the SSI program, you may be able to get Medi-Cal through the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) program. To qualify, you must: Be aged (65+) or disabled (meet Social Security's definition of disability, even if your disability is blindness).

What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the asset test for all Medi-Cal programs. As of January 1, 2024, assets such as cash, bank accounts, homes, and second vehicles will no longer be considered when determining eligibility for Medi-Cal.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.

What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?

If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. Covered California offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health plan and meet income rules.

Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?

➢ 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.

How do I protect my bank account from Medicaid?

One such option to protect assets is a Medicaid Trust. By placing some of your assets in an appropriate trust, you can protect them from Medicaid and have them not be counted when you are applying for benefits.

What happens if you don't report an income change to Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

How often do you have to verify income for Medicaid?

Yes, income and assets have to be verified again for Medicaid Redetermination. After initial acceptance into the Medicaid program, redetermination is generally every 12 months. The redetermination process is meant to ensure the senior Medicaid beneficiary still meets the eligibility criteria, such as income and assets.

Is a check considered proof of income?

Regular paychecks or direct deposit statements serve as proof of income. Property managers often require these to verify consistent earnings.

What counts 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 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 Medicare tax limit for 2024?

There is no wage limit for Medicare tax, which is currently 1.45% (same as 2024) and applied to all covered wages paid.