What is the Medicaid asset limit in California?

A single person applying for nursing home Medicaid in California may keep up to $130,000 in countable assets. A married couple may additionally protect the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) — between $30,828 and $154,140 — for the spouse remaining at home, plus the primary home and one vehicle.

Does California use an income cap or a medically needy spend-down?

California has a medically needy program. If your monthly income exceeds the applicable standard (approximately $1,677/month), the excess is paid toward nursing home costs each month as an income spend-down.

How is the transfer penalty calculated in California?

California divides uncompensated transfers made within the 60-month look-back period by the state's average monthly nursing home cost of $10,500. For example, a $70,000 gift creates a 6-month penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for nursing home care.

What assets are exempt from Medicaid spend-down in California?

California exempts the following assets from Medicaid spend-down: the primary home (if the applicant intends to return or a spouse or dependent lives there — home equity is limited to $1,097,000), one vehicle of any value, irrevocable prepaid funeral and burial arrangements, personal belongings and household items, and term life insurance. Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401ks) may be exempt if in payout status.

What is the Community Spouse Resource Allowance in California in 2025?

In California, the community spouse may keep between $30,828 and $154,140 in countable assets. The CSRA is calculated as 50% of the couple's combined countable assets at the time of Medicaid application or nursing home admission, subject to these minimum and maximum limits. The community spouse also keeps the home and one vehicle regardless of value.

CA · Medi-Cal · 2025 Rules

California Medicaid Spend Down Calculator

Calculate how much of your assets you must spend before Medi-Cal covers nursing home costs in California. Uses current 2025 California-specific rules including asset limits, CSRA, transfer penalty, and income requirements.

$130,000

Asset Limit (Single)

$154,140

CSRA Max (Married)

Medically Needy

Income Rule

~$1,677/mo

Income Standard

$10,500/mo

Penalty Divisor

California note: California eliminated the asset test for Medi-Cal as of January 1, 2024 — there is no longer an asset limit for most applicants. However, nursing facility Medicaid still has income rules and estate recovery applies. Home equity limit is $1,097,000.

California Spend Down Calculator

Pre-loaded with California rules. Enter your details below.

Medicaid Spend Down Calculator

Free estimate · 2025 rules · All 50 states + DC

1. Your Situation

2. Assets

3. Income

4. Transfers

5. Results

State

Select the state where the person needs nursing home care.

Medi-Cal

California eliminated the asset test for Medi-Cal as of January 1, 2024 — there is no longer an asset limit for most applicants. However, nursing facility Medicaid still has income rules and estate recovery applies. Home equity limit is $1,097,000.

Marital Status

Married couples have different asset protection rules (CSRA).

California Medicaid Spend-Down Rules (2025)

Program name	Medi-Cal
Single person asset limit	$130,000
Married — institutionalized spouse limit	$130,000
Minimum CSRA (community spouse)	$30,828
Maximum CSRA (community spouse)	$154,140
CSRA calculation method	50% of joint assets (between min/max)
Income rule type	Medically needy — excess income over $1,677/mo applied to care costs
Min. monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA)	$2,555/mo
Max. MMMNA	$3,854/mo
Transfer penalty divisor	$10,500/month (avg. NH cost)
Home equity limit	$1,097,000
Look-back period	60 months (5 years)

California Medicaid Spend Down — FAQ

What is the Medicaid asset limit in California?: A single person applying for nursing home Medicaid in California may keep up to $130,000 in countable assets. For a married couple, the community spouse may also keep between $30,828 and $154,140 (the CSRA), plus the primary home and one vehicle.
Is California an income cap or medically needy state?: California is a medically needy state. If your monthly income exceeds approximately $1,677, the excess is contributed each month toward the nursing home bill as a monthly income spend-down. This amount is sometimes called the "patient pay amount."
What is the transfer penalty divisor in California?: California uses $10,500 per month as its penalty divisor — the state's average monthly cost of nursing home care. Any uncompensated transfer within the 60-month look-back period is divided by this amount to calculate the penalty period. A $70,000 gift, for example, results in a 6-month Medicaid penalty.
Can the community spouse keep the home in California?: Yes. The primary home is fully exempt from the Medicaid spend-down while the community spouse resides in it. The home equity limit in California is $1,097,000 — equity above this amount could become countable if no spouse or dependent lives in the home. Estate recovery may apply after both spouses pass away; consult an elder law attorney about protection strategies.
What is the CSRA in California for 2025?: The Community Spouse Resource Allowance in California is calculated as 50% of the couple's joint countable assets at the time of the Medicaid application, with a minimum of $30,828 and a maximum of $154,140. For example, if the couple has $200,000 in joint countable assets, the CSRA is $100,000. The institutionalized spouse must then spend down their remaining share to $130,000.
How long does the Medicaid application process take in California?: California Medicaid applications for nursing home care typically take 45–90 days to process. Applications can request retroactive coverage for up to 3 months before the application date if the applicant was eligible during that period. Apply as soon as assets reach the limit — processing delays mean out-of-pocket nursing home costs continue.

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California Medicaid spend-down figures are based on 2025 federal and state standards. Rules change annually. Verify all information with the Medi-Cal office or a licensed California elder law attorney before making financial decisions. This tool does not constitute legal or financial advice.