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Your Wake-Up Call — Act Now While There’s Still Time

If you or someone you love needs long-term care, this may be your moment to act. Beginning January 1st, 2026, California’s Medi-Cal program will dramatically tighten eligibility rules, reinstating both the Asset Assessment and the Lookback Rule. These changes could cost families their benefits — or their savings — if they fail to prepare in time.

Our updated free eBook, Understanding Long-Term Care Medi-Cal Planning, explains exactly what’s changing, what these new rules mean for you, and how to protect yourself before it’s too late. Download your copy now.

The Asset Limit Returns in 2026

For the past two years (2024–2025), California temporarily suspended Medi-Cal’s asset test for long-term care eligibility. During that time, assets were not counted against applicants, an unprecedented window of flexibility. That ends on January 1st, 2026.

After that date:

• All new Medi-Cal applicants will once again be subject to the Asset Assessment.
• Current Medi-Cal beneficiaries will face the same scrutiny at their next annual redetermination (renewal) after January 1, 2026.
• Counties can also trigger a Change in Circumstance (CIC) review at any time in 2026 for current Medi-Cal beneficiaries if they can independently verify financial information, meaning eligibility can be lost prior to the annual redetermination.

The Lookback Rule Also Returns

In addition to the asset limits, the 30-month Lookback Rule will also come back into effect on January 1st, 2026. This rule allows Medi-Cal to review your financial history for the 30 months before your application to determine if you transferred assets improperly.

But here’s the crucial detail:

Transfers made between January 1st, 2024, and December 31st, 2025, are exempt from this lookback review.

That means the remaining months of 2025 represent a rare and powerful planning window, a time when you can still transfer or reposition assets without penalty and without disqualifying yourself from future Medi-Cal eligibility.

What This Means for You — and Why You Must Act Now

These rule changes will impact both new applicants and current beneficiaries.
Without proper planning, many Californians could lose access to essential long-term care coverage or be forced to spend down their life savings to qualify.

The deadline is December 31st, 2025.
After that, Medi-Cal eligibility will become much stricter, and far fewer families will qualify without extensive asset restructuring.

The good news?
There are still legal, proven strategies that can protect your assets and your eligibility, but they take time to design and implement.

That’s why it’s critical to:

1. Download the updated eBook to fully understand the 2026 Medi-Cal changes.
2. Schedule a consultation with one of our qualified Botti & Morison Elder Law attorneys now, before the window closes.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

If you or a loved one could need long-term care in the coming years, don’t wait until 2026.
The steps you take before December 31st, 2025, could determine whether you qualify for Medi-Cal in 2026 and beyond.

Download the new eBook today or schedule a consultation by calling 877-585-1885 or emailing info@bottilaw.com.

All legal services are provided by Botti & Morison Estate Planning Attorneys, Ltd.

Thanks for reading.
Christopher E. Botti, Esq.
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific circumstances.