Big Changes Ahead: Medi-Cal Asset Limits Return in 2026
California’s Governor and Legislature recently approved a budget agreement that will significantly change Medi-Cal eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities. Effective January 1, 2026, the asset test for most Medi-Cal programs will be reinstated—rolling back the elimination of asset limits that began in 2024 due to budget constraints. This change means individuals and families applying for or renewing Medi-Cal for long-term care services will once again need to carefully account for what they own. What Are the New Asset Limits? Beginning January 1, 2026: $130,000 for an individual $195,000 for a couple + $65,000 for each additional ... Read More
The Benefits of Hybrid Policies for Long-Term Care Estate Planning
Nursing home care costs can be outrageous should you become critically ill or injured. You might know from reading my blog articles or from reading my eBook UNDERSTANDING LONG-TERM CARE MEDI-CAL that Medicare would cover only a minimal amount of those costs. Moreover, Medi-Cal may only be part of the solution for you. Private insurance doesn’t seem like a good bet either if you’ve heard horror stories about skyrocketing premium costs and difficulties in even obtaining long-term care (LTC) insurance in the first place. There may be a better way. “Hybrid” policies essentially combine life insurance or an annuity with ... Read More
