Medi-Cal Asset Rules for Cancer Patients Seeking Extra Help

This document explains which assets you may keep and still qualify for Medi-Cal “extra help” programs after a cancer diagnosis. It reflects California’s 2026 Non‑MAGI Medi‑Cal asset rules, including exemptions, countable resources, and special protections for married couples.

Asset Limits for 2026

California reinstated Medi-Cal asset limits on January 1, 2026. The limits are:

Individual: $130,000
Couple: $195,000
Each additional household member: $65,000

These limits apply to Non‑MAGI Medi‑Cal categories, including cancer treatment coverage, long‑term care, and dual‑eligible Medicare + Medi‑Cal programs.

Exempt Assets You May Keep

The following assets do not count toward the Medi-Cal limit and remain fully protected:

Primary Home

Your main residence is exempt as long as you live in it. Its value does not affect eligibility.

One Vehicle

Your primary automobile is exempt regardless of value.

Household Goods and Personal Items

Furniture, clothing, appliances, and personal effects—including jewelry—are excluded.

Retirement Accounts

IRAs and employer-sponsored pensions are exempt if you receive regular periodic payments. For married couples, the community spouse’s retirement accounts are always exempt.

Burial Assets

Exempt burial resources include burial plots, irrevocable prepaid burial plans, and up to $1,500 in designated burial funds.

Business or Self-Support Property

Real property or equipment used for business or self-support does not count toward the limit.

Countable Assets

The following assets do count toward the $130,000 limit:

Cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, second vehicles, second homes, and non-exempt financial resources.

Special Rules for Married Couples

If one spouse requires long-term care due to cancer, Medi-Cal applies spousal impoverishment protections:

The institutionalized spouse may keep $130,000.
The community spouse may keep the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), which is $162,660 in 2026.

This allows a married household to retain over $290,000 in combined assets while still qualifying.

Upcoming 2027 Change

On July 1, 2027, California’s Medi-Cal asset limit is scheduled to drop sharply:

Individual: $21,000
Couple: $31,000

This change will significantly affect eligibility planning for cancer patients and dual-eligibles.

Comparison Table

Asset Category	Counted?	Notes
Primary Home	No	Fully exempt while occupied
One Vehicle	No	Any value
Retirement Accounts	No (if periodic payments)	Spouse’s IRA always exempt
Burial Assets	No	Plots, prepaid plans, $1,500 fund
Cash / Bank Accounts	Yes	Fully countable
Investments	Yes	Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
Second Home / Vehicle	Yes	Countable
Business Property	No	If used for self-support