Gov. Newsom proposes 'asset test' for low-income and disabled Medi-Cal applicants. What does that mean?
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed reinstating an asset test effective January 1, 2026, to limit Medi-Cal eligibility based on asset ownership.
- The proposal responds to a budget shortfall caused by rising Medi-Cal costs linked to increased enrollment, pharmacy expenses, and policy changes like the prior removal of the asset test.
- The asset test would require applicants to have less than $2,000 in assets, including salary, bank accounts, second cars, home value, and retirement funds, or they would be ineligible.
- Newsom announced the measure could save $94 million in the coming fiscal year and cited that Medi-Cal spending reached $37.6 billion last year with a projected $10 billion increase without changes.
- Critics warn the asset test would harm seniors, disabled people, and low-income Californians by cutting coverage, while Newsom emphasized the need to balance California's growing budget deficit.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a “new asset test” to limit access to the free Medi-Cal. This measure arose in view of the increased costs caused by the medical program. What is the asset test to access the Medi-Cal in California This evaluation seeks to reject those applicants who have assets greater than US$2000. To know this income, the state will be able to evaluate the bank accounts, check if they have a second car or if they have cash.The …
Gavin Newsom proposes $2,000 asset eligibility test to control soaring state Medi-Cal costs
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing an "asset test" for seniors to prove eligibility for Medi-Cal healthcare benefits for low-income Californians in response to a budget shortfall. To qualify, people would have to possess less than $2,000 in assets to qualify.The governor's budget proposal, written by the California Department of Finance, said the reasons for the increased costs include "higher overall enrollment, pharmacy costs and higher…
Immigrant Healthcare: Governors Reverse Course – Archyde
Archyde “`html States Reconsidering Medicaid Benefits for immigrants Amid Budget Constraints Sacramento, California – Several States, Confronted with looming budget deficits and potential federal penalties, are actively considering reducing Medicaid benefits for immigrants. This action has sparked considerable debate and protest, highlighting the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility with healthcare access. Budgetary Pressures Force St…
In a new budget proposal, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed to conduct an "asset check" on all applicants for the California Medi-Cal program in the future, and only applicants with assets of less than $2,000 would be eligible for this benefit.
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