Medicaid limits by state › California
Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility in California (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid-paid nursing home or long-term care in California in 2026, a single applicant must generally have no more than $130,000 in countable assets and income at or below No cap (Share of Cost applies). No income cap.
California 2026 limits at a glance
| Test | 2026 standard in California |
|---|---|
| Countable asset limit (single) | $130,000 |
| Countable asset limit (couple, both applying) | $195,000 |
| Income limit | No cap (Share of Cost applies) |
| Home equity limit | No home-equity limit |
| Spousal asset allowance (CSRA) | Community spouse may keep between $32,532 and $162,660 of the couple's assets |
| Spousal income allowance (MMNA) | Minimum $2,705/month up to $4,066/month in this state |
| Look-back period | 60 months (asset transfers for less than fair value can cause a penalty period) |
How California treats income
This state has no hard income cap for nursing home Medicaid; income above the personal allowance is applied to the cost of care (Share of Cost).
Good to know in California
From January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal reinstated an asset limit: $130,000 for an individual and $195,000 for a couple. Nursing home Medicaid has no income limit (income above the allowance is handled as Share of Cost), and there is no home-equity limit.
Check your own eligibility
Enter your assets, income and marital status to see whether you pass all three financial tests in California — and if not, by how much, and which lawful pathways exist:
Open the Medicaid eligibility estimator →What does care cost in California?
See median nursing home, assisted living and home care prices for California:
California senior care costs →Sources: 2026 federal Medicaid standards (CMS) and published state standards compiled by the American Council on Aging. This page is a planning estimate, not a determination — only the California Medicaid agency can decide eligibility. Rules change; verify before making financial moves, ideally with an elder law attorney.