What is the asset limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

Asked by: Cary Emmerich  |  Last update: December 6, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (48 votes)

Phase I, to be implemented July 1, 2022, will increase the asset limit to $130,000 per individual, and $65,000 for each additional household member. Phase II, to be implemented no sooner than January 1, 2024, will eliminate the asset test entirely.

What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

Improvements to Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans in 2024

DHCS is changing how it contracts with MCPs. These changes will improve how members experience care and include: New commercial MCP contracts: On December 30, 2022, DHCS announced an agreement with five commercial MCPs to serve Medi-Cal members in 21 counties.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you have savings?

4. How to Qualify. To find out if you qualify for one of Medi-Cal's programs, look at your countable asset levels. As of July 1, 2022, you may have up to $130,000 in assets as an individual, up to $195,000 in assets as a couple, and an additional $65,000 for each family member.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you have a 401k?

You meet assets requirements for Medi-Cal. This Medi-Cal program exempts all Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approved retirement accounts, such as employer sponsored 401k, 403b accounts, or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) authorized in the IRS codes.

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.

New Higher Medi-Cal Asset Limits for Medicare and Long-Term Care Expenses

38 related questions found

Is there an asset limit for Medi-Cal?

​ The new limits are $130,000 for one person and an additional $65,000 for each additional family member. Please see below for more information.

Can an IRA affect Medi-Cal eligibility?

In some circumstances, Medi-Cal does not count funds held in an IRA, Keogh, or other work-related retirement arrangement. To find out if Medi-Cal would count your IRA, Keogh, or work-related retirement arrangements, you may contact your local county welfare department.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023?

Starting January 2023, Medi-Cal health coverage for most remaining dually eligible beneficiaries changed from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal Managed Care.

What is the max age for Medi-Cal?

Beginning May 1, 2022, a new law in California will give full scope Medi-Cal to adults 50 years of age or older and immigration status does not matter. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

What is the look back period for Medi-Cal in California?

Medi-Cal will look back to any of the gifts you've made prior to applying and make sure that hasn't happened. In California, our lookback period is 30 months. In every other state in the union, it's 60 months.

Do I have to re enroll in Medi-Cal every year?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically. Sometimes the county will send you a renewal form that you must review and return, along with any additional required information. Want to get started with Covered California?

How often do you have to renew Medi-Cal?

Local Medi-Cal offices review each member's eligibility once a year or when they report changes to their household. Everyone's renewal date is different.

How to avoid Medi-Cal estate recovery in California?

Federal regulations prevent the DHCS from pursuing recovery for Medi-Cal services in the following circumstances:
  1. The deceased's spouse is still alive, whether they live in California or not.
  2. A disabled underaged child of the deceased resides in the deceased's home.

Are inherited assets considered income?

Inheritances aren't considered income for federal tax purposes, but subsequent earnings on the inherited assets, including interest income and dividends, are taxable (unless it comes from a tax-free source).

What is asset protection under Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal Asset Protection Trusts are designed to legally transfer assets that would otherwise disqualify a person from receiving benefits and use the State Medi-Cal rules so that the assets will not count or make the penalty from the transfer minimized or eliminated.

What is the limit for Medi-Cal in California?

To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home. The income limits based on household size are: One person: $17,609. Two people: $23,792.

Does Medi-Cal count IRA as assets?

In determining eligibility, Medi-Cal divides an individual's assets into two categories: countable assets and exempt assets. Countable assets are those assets that are required for your care, prior to receiving Medi-Cal benefits, and typically include IRA's, and other retirement benefits.

What is the Pickle Amendment 2023?

2023 Update

Screening for Medicaid eligibility under the Pickle Amendment is quick and simple. The screening process will eliminate the great majority of those who are not eligible without the necessity of performing any mathematical calculations.

How does Medi-Cal check income?

The Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal method uses Federal tax rules to decide if you qualify based on how you file your taxes and your countable income. Property rules: No property limits. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal includes many special programs.

Can you have insurance and Medi-Cal?

Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.