Care Eligibility
California / Money and eligibility

What assets count for California Medi-Cal?

The short answer

For the California Medi-Cal groups subject to an asset test, DHCS lists bank accounts, cash, second homes, and second vehicles as examples that may count. It lists a main home, one vehicle, household items, and retirement funds paying out regularly as examples that may be excluded. The county decides how the rules apply to the actual property.

Source: DHCS asset-limit FAQ

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. DHCS is the California Department of Health Care Services.

Checked against DHCS on September 19, 2026Asset-test examples checked September 2026

Which property may count?

DHCS calls assets things a person owns that have value. Its examples of countable property include cash, bank accounts, second vehicles, second homes, and other financial resources. An item being listed here does not tell you its value or resolve a special exemption.

  • Bank accounts and cash
  • A second home or a second vehicle
  • Other financial resources that the county finds countable
Agency source:DHCS asset-limit FAQ

Which property may be left out?

DHCS lists a person's main home, main vehicle, household belongings, and retirement funds that are paying out regularly as examples that do not count. The home's treatment can depend on the person's living situation, including a plan to return or a spouse or dependent relative living there.

Agency source:DHCS asset-limit FAQ

Why does the program matter?

California's asset test returned in 2026 for certain Medi-Cal eligibility groups. It is not a blanket test for every member. The current one-person limit and the rules protecting a spouse in a long-term-care case are separate questions.

Agency sources:DHCS asset-limit FAQDHCS spousal-policy letter 26-02

What should you check next?

Make a list of what the applicant owns and whether anyone else owns it with them. Ask the county Medi-Cal office which items it will count for this program and renewal or application date. Do not assume that changing title or giving property away is harmless when long-term care may be needed.

Agency sources:DHCS asset-limit FAQDHCS county office directory

Sources checked

These agency pages were checked on September 19, 2026. Reopen them before making a time-sensitive decision.

Your next step

Check the official guidance for your case

A state guide can explain the rule. The issuing agency can answer questions about the actual application, notice, or service.

Ask your county Medi-Cal office ↗

This page is general educational information. It cannot decide whether a person qualifies or replace advice about individual facts. Read the full notice.