Medi-Cal Rules for Qualifying
for Long Term Care

Medi-Cal uses two tests to determine eligibility to qualify for financial assistance. If eligible, the government will help cover your "out of pocket" expenses.

Medi-Cal Test # 1: Asset and Resources

Below you will find a list of some of the assets that are considered to be both “good” and “not so good” when qualifying for Medi-Cal

Non-Countable Assets (Good)

• Home
• Household goods
• Medi-Cal Friendly Annuities
• Burial Insurance (Unlimited)
• Wedding & Engagement Rings
• IRA’s/Pension Plans – Medi-Cal Recipient with distribution
• One car
• Personal property
• Life Insurance ($1,500 cash limit)
• Burial Plot
• IRA’s/Pension Plans – Well Spouse (Exempt for community spouse)

Countable Assets: (Not so good)

• Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
• Stocks and Bonds
• Money Market Accounts
• Passbook Savings Accounts
• Real Estate (non-income producing)
• Additional cars, trucks, motor homes
• Ordinary Annuities (Non-annuitized)
• Mutual Funds
• Checking Accounts
• Precious metals, coins and gems

Medi-Cal Test #2: Monthly Incomes

Name on the Check Rule
The rule is - if your name is on the check and you are the spouse, not entering Long Term Care, the check is yours to keep. If you are entering Long Term Care and your name is on the check your spouse still living at home is allowed a minimum of $3090 per month. So, if the spouse at home receive a check for $2000 each month and the spouse entering Long Term Care receives a check of $1800 per month. $1030 will be given to the spouse and the remaining monies will go toward the cost of care for the ill spouse.

Retained Assets

For calendar year 2018/2019, the maximum spousal share has been increased to $123,600. This means that if the couple has $120,000 or more in countable assets, the at-home spouse will now be able to keep $123,600. Plus, the person in Long Term Care can keep $2,000 in countable assets.

If you are over the $123,600, ask us about regulatory provisions for gifting.

Confusing? Call us and we will walk you through the Medi-Cal maze.

1-877-254-7276

info@dasantosandassociates.com