There will be no asset test for non-MAGI Medi-Cal eligibility beginning January 2024. In other words, your eligibility for many Medi-Cal programs will not be dependent upon your assets such as savings and checking accounts, investments, or how many cars you own. Medi-Cal will not consider those assets when determining your eligibility beginning in 2024. Household income will still be considered.
The MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) Medi-Cal associated with Covered California has never had an asset test. MAGI Medi-Cal has always been based on the household income of the individual and family. The asset elimination does not apply to the MAGI Medi-Cal.
Medicare Savings Program & Medi-Cal
There are many Medi-Cal programs that must consider both the income and assets of the individual for eligibility. For 2024, there will be no asset test for the Medicare Savings Program, administered by Medi-Cal in California, for extra help paying for the Part B premiums and Medicare cost-sharing.
Non-MAGI Medi-Cal Eligibility Categories
The following information is from a DHCS webinar on Medi-Cal asset elimination I attended.
The following individuals may be eligible for Non-MAGI Medi-Cal:
1. Persons under 21 years of age, or 65 years of age and older
2. Individuals who are blind or disabled
3. Individuals in long term care facilities or nursing homes
4. Families with children under age 21 who have too much income to qualify for MAGI Medi-Cal
5. Pregnant women.
Additionally –
1. Supplement Security Income recipients are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal.
2. The elimination of assets does NOT apply to individuals who receive their Medi-Cal through the SSI program as SSI uses federal criteria for program eligibility.
While the assets may not be counted, the income derived from the assets such as interest can be used to determine monthly income.
Medi-Cal Asset Elimination Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Provided by the Department of Health Care Services
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. If you’re already a Medi-Cal member, this rule applies to you now, and you don’t need to report assets during your renewal.
What are “assets?”
Assets include bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, homes, and other financial resources.
If I am a current Medi-Cal member, do I need to fill out and submit the requested asset information?
No. If you have Medi-Cal coverage and received a renewal form in 2023, you will see a section asking about your assets. Don’t worry. As a current member, you do not need to complete this section or provide proof of your assets. Assets don’t count for 2023 renewals, which is why you don’t need to report them.
- In 2024, renewal forms will no longer ask for asset information.
- That means you can keep your savings and assets and still keep your Medi-Cal coverage.
- It is important to open and review any mail received from your county about your Medi-Cal coverage.
If I am applying for Medi-Cal, do I need to fill out and submit requested asset information?
Yes, if you are applying for Medi-Cal in 2023, some assets, such as bank accounts, cash, and a second vehicle will be counted when determining your 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.
I was not eligible in the past. With these changes, could I be now?
Yes. If you believe you may be eligible for Medi-Cal with the asset change, learn more and apply at GetMedi-CalCoverage.dhcs.ca.gov.
Can I get help completing the form?
Help is available. For assistance, contact your local Medi-Cal office or a Health Enrollment Navigator.
What if I am no longer eligible for Medi-Cal?
If your coverage is denied, delayed, reduced, or stopped, you can ask your local Medi-Cal office to review your case. You can also ask for a State Fair Hearing to determine your eligibility if you disagree with the decision. Submit an online request here, or call the State Hearings Division toll-free at (800) 743-8525. If you ask for a hearing before your Medi-Cal ends, your coverage will continue during the process.
Asset Elimination 2024
