What changed
Since January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal counts assets again for people who are 65 or older, have a disability or need long-term care. The state calls these the non-MAGI Medi-Cal groups. Assets are things you own. Your main home and your main vehicle do not count. From 2024 through 2025, Medi-Cal did not count assets for these groups.
Through June 30, 2027, the limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra person in the household, up to 10 people. From July 1, 2027, under SB 164, the limit is $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two, plus $1,550 for each extra person, up to 10 people.
Who it affects
People in those Medi-Cal groups, which can include people applying for ALW. ALW requires full-scope Medi-Cal with no monthly share of cost, so the asset rules can matter for an application. If you already have Medi-Cal, you report your assets when you renew.
What to do
Do not rely on older "no asset limit" materials. The limit is not one number for everyone: your Medi-Cal category, household, spouse and exempt assets all matter. If assets are a question for you, ask a benefits specialist or your county Medi-Cal office before you assume an answer. See the 2026 figures and what a resident pays, or read the guide to full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost.
Sources
- California DHCS, Asset Limit Frequently Asked Questions
- California DHCS, ACWDL 25-14, Reinstatement of Asset Limits for Non-MAGI Medi-Cal Programs, June 30, 2025
- California Legislature, SB 164 (Chapter 27, Statutes of 2026), Legislative Counsel's Digest
This post is a summary. The state's own notice controls. Nothing on this page changes anyone's place on the waitlist or their eligibility.
Changes to this post
- October 6, 2026 Rewritten for applicants and families. The groups are named in plain words, the current limit and the July 1, 2027 limit are given, and the costs page is linked.
- August 27, 2026 First published.