Medi-Cal 2026: The February Asset Review Checklist for Bay Area Homeowners and Couples - San Francisco Bay Times

"Under the current Medi-Cal framework, individuals may hold $130,000 in countable assets, while married couples may keep $195,000, plus $65,000 per additional household member. Exempt assets include your primary residence (if it meets Medi-Cal guidelines), one vehicle, certain retirement plans, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements."

"Because Bay Area home values often exceed $1 million, accurately identifying exempt assets is crucial for determining eligibility and structuring future care plans. Collect at least 30 months of bank, brokerage, and retirement account statements. This helps identify any gifts or transfers that could trigger penalties later."

Medi-Cal's 2026 asset limits require Bay Area residents to understand which assets affect eligibility for long-term care planning. Exempt assets include primary residences, one vehicle, retirement plans, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements. Countable assets include excess cash, secondary properties, and investments like stocks or non-retirement brokerage accounts. Given Bay Area home values often exceed $1 million, accurately identifying exempt assets is crucial. A February review checklist recommends gathering 30 months of financial records, listing all assets with market values, and separating exempt from countable assets to ensure proper Medi-Cal eligibility determination and prevent future delays.

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