Beginning on January 1, 2022, the new Medi-Cal benefits no longer have an asset rule that prohibits eligibility for older and disabled Californians who have more than $2,000 in the bank. You do not have to have an empty bank account to qualify for Medi-Cal insurance coverage in 2022.

Before this year, if you had more than $2,000 in assets, you could not qualify for Medi-Cal benefits, which is the state’s insurance program for low-income residents. For example, if you received a $3,000 inheritance, you would have to spend it right away or else be without insurance for medication and medical bills.

Many people found themselves being forced to spend money that they could have otherwise saved for a rainy day. Now, the Medi-Cal benefits are available to aging and disabled Californians regardless of how much money they have in the bank. Instead, the benefits are determined by their monthly income.

More Changes to Medi-Cal Benefits

The removed asset rule is not the only change to Medi-Cal. The new Medi-Cal rules will extend to thousands of people who did not qualify in 2021. Here are other modifications that took effect on January 1, 2022:

  • Undocumented Californians Eligible After Age 50: In the past, any undocumented residents were not eligible for Medi-Cal. Now, they can start benefits after the age of 50.
  • Post-Pregnancy Eligibility: Benefits were only available for 60 days after having a baby. Now women can partake of Medi-Cal benefits for a full year after delivery.
  • Doula Benefits Added: A birth assistant or doula was not covered under Medi-Cal. Now doulas are covered. These alternative birthing options are available and covered for low-income mothers who choose what is best for their childbirth.
  • No Expiration Date for Optional Benefits: Services that are considered optional, like speech therapy, vision, and other specialties, used to have an expiration date. Now the expiration date has been removed.

With these new Medi-Cal benefits, thousands of low-income residents can have health coverage when they were without before. You don’t have to have an empty bank account. You don’t have to scramble for health insurance or a job while you have a new baby. These new rules will bring relief to many struggling residents of California.

You can find out more details about Medi-Cal by contacting our team at Shoup Legal. We can answer your questions and help get you qualified. Call (951) 445-4114 or email us at [email protected] to get started.