The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently granted California’s request to completely eliminate Medi-Cal’s asset test as of January 1, 2024. This means that beginning on January 1, 2024, income-eligible people will be able to access Medi-Cal’s Aged and Disabled program, Medicare Savings Programs, and Long-Term Care programs regardless of assets. California is the first state in the nation to eliminate its asset test for ALL Medi-Cal programs.
This good news builds on the positive changes that happened last summer. In July 2022, we celebrated the substantial increase in allowable assets for certain Medi-Cal programs from $2,000/$3,000 for individuals and couples to $130,000 and $195,000 respectively. As Medi-Cal coverage is an essential lifeline in providing for the health care needs for millions of beneficiaries (including dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and long-term care), this win greatly increased the quality of life, health and economic wellbeing of tens of thousands of people. It was the result of many years of advocacy and collaboration with organizations, partners and agencies statewide. Now we are thrilled to celebrate the coming elimination of the asset test for all income-eligible people on Medi-Cal.
Our website and Medicare Fact Sheets will be updated with this information later this fall.
For more information on these changes, read our previous articles:
