California Nearly Achieved Universal Health Care. Now, Millions Are Losing Coverage
The change lowers the savings cap from $130,000 to $21,000 for many older adults and people with disabilities, officials said.
- Starting July 1, 2027, California will reinstate Medi-Cal asset limits for seniors and disabled adults, reducing individual savings thresholds from $130,000 to $21,000—an 84 percent reduction—while couples face a $31,000 cap.
- Facing state budget deficits, officials reversed a 2022 policy that eliminated asset tests, citing mounting costs from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and rising Medi-Cal spending that nearly doubled since 2019.
- In-Home Supportive Services and long-term care recipients face the primary impact, though primary homes and one vehicle remain excluded from asset counts under the new limits.
- The National Health Law Program described the outcome as a 'partial win' after legislators rejected a proposed $2,000 threshold, though advocates warn the new limits could still force vulnerable residents to lose essential care support.
- Families have nearly two years to prepare before July 2027, and the Legislature may revisit the threshold in future budget cycles; experts recommend consulting legal counsel before restructuring assets.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Bakersfield Californian
California nearly achieved universal healthcare. Now, millions are losing coverage
Two years ago, California hit a milestone decades in the making: Nearly every person in the state qualified for health insurance, regardless of immigration status and income, pushing the state’s insured rate to a record 95%. Now that progress is…
Palo Alto Online
Medi-Cal está cambiando. Esto es lo que debes hacer si te preocupa perder la cobertura
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. This article is also available in English. Read it here. Es un momento convulso para la atención médica. Los recortes presupuestarios federales y estatales están cambiando las reglas de los beneficios públicos. La mayoría de las personas con Medi-Cal no se verán afectadas, […]
Medi-Cal is changing. Here’s what to do if you’re worried about coverage
Most people with Medi-Cal won’t be affected, but it may be confusing to figure out whether your benefits will change. The two most important things to do: Update your contact information with your county benefits office, and keep an eye out for any letters mailed from the county or state.
California's Healthcare Progress Unraveling: 2.2M Losing Coverage
Two years ago, California hit a milestone decades in the making: Nearly every person in the state qualified for health insurance, regardless of immigration status and income, pushing the state’s insured rate to a record 95%. Now that progress is unravelling.Facing budget shortfalls and new federal restrictions, state leaders have begun rolling back the coverage system they built. Analysis at the UC Berkeley Labor Center and UCLA Center for Healt…
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