Although the California Department of Health Care Services’ May 2025 budget summary proposes a limit of no more than $2000 in countable assets for persons in Medi-Cal, the asset limit would apply only to some — not all — Medi-Cal enrollees and applicants. The proposed asset limit would apply, according to the DHCS May 2025 May revision summary, to persons “whose eligibility is not based on modified adjusted gross income financial methods;” that group is primarily comprised of persons 65 years of age and older, persons needing nursing home care, and persons with disabilities. The asset limit would not apply, though, to most other groups who qualify for Medi-Cal, including children, those who are between ages 18 and 64, and pregnant women.
Seniors and persons with a disability comprise roughly 15% of the total state Medicaid population, generally also have greater healthcare needs, and are considered at greater risk of financial insecurity. As a May 30, 2025 LA Times article points out, the proposal, if implemented, could result in some of the most vulnerable persons with higher healthcare needs losing Medicaid coverage. Also likely to be impacted by the loss in eligibility are PACE programs and some Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, both of which serve primarily Medicaid enrollees who are seniors and/or persons with disabilities.