In October 2021 great strides were taken to help individuals and couples of lower income afford and have access to nursing home and care facility health care. Through Assembly Bills 470 and 133, the Medi-Cal Asset Test will be eliminated for all non-MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) Medi-Cal programs.
The Medi-Cal Asset Test
Essentially, the Medi-Cal Asset Test took into account all resources available to individuals seeking help in paying for healthcare. From general income to other assets, the test would be the determining factor in whether or not a low-income individual or couple qualified for assistance. Assembly Bill 470 was initially introduced by itself, but then some provisions from the bill were added to Assembly Bill 133 which was signed into law by Governor Newsom in July 2021.
Though the California government is still waiting for federal approval in order to implement their plan to eliminate the test by 2024, the state will be raising the limit to $130,000 for individuals, $195,000 for couples, and $65,000 for each additional family member.
How These Measures Help
Currently, an individual or couple would have to spend down their resources and assets in order to meet the asset limit and qualify – essentially telling those that have too much money that they do not qualify, even if their assets barely exceed the minimum. Raising the limit will allow a greater number of people to qualify, while the complete elimination of the asset test altogether will open the door to anyone in financial need when it comes to their healthcare.
We are always looking for ways to support the elderly community in California, and we are happy to see California take better care of it’s deserving elderly citizens.
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