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demmiblue

(38,668 posts)
Thu May 29, 2025, 07:32 PM May 2025

'I'm really scared': Elderly and disabled Californians with more than $2,000 could lose Medi-Cal

Cynde Soto, a quadriplegic who requires around-the-clock care, has been on Medi-Cal for most of her life. Recently, she came into a modest inheritance, about $8,000, that has helped cover her daily expenses. But it also means that she would lose her state health insurance under a proposal from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has proposed restoring a $2,000 limit on an individual’s assets — including savings accounts and property other than a home and a car — and $3,000 for couples to qualify for Medi-Cal. Anyone 65 and older or disabled who exceeds that limit would be ineligible. Newsom also is proposing a cap on how much home care Medi-Cal enrollees like Soto could receive.

In unveiling the proposal, Newsom said that California has a “spending problem” and needs to make “difficult choices” to address the state’s $12 billion deficit, which he attributed in part to growing Medi-Cal costs. His proposal would save the state $94 million this budget year and more than $500 million the next year, according to the governor’s budget document.

But health advocates say that it’s almost impossible for someone to live with just $2,000 in assets in California. Rent often exceeds that amount, and medical expenses not covered by insurance quickly add up.

https://calmatters.org/health/2025/05/medi-cal-assets-newsom-health-insurance/
64 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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'I'm really scared': Elderly and disabled Californians with more than $2,000 could lose Medi-Cal (Original Post) demmiblue May 2025 OP
That $2000 rule is bullshit! FirstLight May 2025 #1
i agee. AllaN01Bear May 2025 #3
It probably looked generous when it was enacted Warpy May 2025 #20
All social spending should be indexed. slightlv May 2025 #38
$2K is barely a month's rent Retrograde May 2025 #62
Newsom is a Democrat? Ocelot II May 2025 #2
Well, he says he is Bettie May 2025 #11
Think most states have a cruel/criminal $2000 or so cap. Unfortunately, if she loses Medicaid, that $8000 will be Silent Type May 2025 #4
How could anyone think that.having $2000 enables a person to pay medical bills. madaboutharry May 2025 #5
please note : i am on medi cal and that $ 2000 t limit on assets has been on the books for years . AllaN01Bear May 2025 #6
I think most states have the same limit. But as to why it's being regurgitated: marybourg May 2025 #12
thanks. AllaN01Bear May 2025 #14
That's not true at all. choie May 2025 #36
You're right. I should have said most states. NY is an outlier. marybourg May 2025 #43
It was till 2022 then it was at first relaxed dsc May 2025 #16
my male heath caare worker was on medical until a whle ago and was cut off because he AllaN01Bear May 2025 #24
That's just cruel The Blue Flower May 2025 #7
Asset tests will become more common for many types of benefits bucolic_frolic May 2025 #8
Someome can be considered choie May 2025 #34
One day in the hospital would use up that $2,000 and more. n/t totodeinhere May 2025 #9
They are on Medicaid (MediCal). You are paying their hospital bill. marybourg May 2025 #17
oh for fuck's sake. choie May 2025 #33
Until everybody can depend on marybourg May 2025 #46
The problem is your taxes don't cover.we are upside down. It's paid with loans. Melon May 2025 #57
When people are this concerned about the taxes we pay for defense choie May 2025 #60
When my mother in Washington State was leftyladyfrommo May 2025 #55
Yes, hospice is Medicare. No income or asset test. Everyone on Medicare is eligible marybourg May 2025 #56
My neice works in a care center. She said leftyladyfrommo May 2025 #59
SSI recipients have been under the $2,,000 asset wanderer54 May 2025 #10
Exactly BeerBarrelPolka May 2025 #19
And? choie May 2025 #35
Stop! BeerBarrelPolka May 2025 #40
The poster is wrong to equate SSI asset tests choie May 2025 #41
It's time for us to demand a "Single Payer" multigraincracker May 2025 #13
Two Grand Is Stupid Low ProfessorGAC May 2025 #15
That's pretty much how Medicaid works in the rest of the country. marybourg May 2025 #18
Not in New York choie May 2025 #32
And designed to be more idiotic with the passage of time not fooled May 2025 #25
When Newsom hits the disabled Figarosmom May 2025 #21
Looked into this futher CountAllVotes May 2025 #64
Just watched an excellent program on PBS. llmart May 2025 #22
Can a Trust be legally set up to allow disabled to Ilsa May 2025 #23
I manage the affairs of a childhood friend who moonscape May 2025 #44
Pretty much, just slightly different name. Ilsa May 2025 #45
tax everyone and give tax benefits to everyone. Let God sort them out. Tetrachloride May 2025 #26
It's similar to the rule for receiving SSI. valleyrogue May 2025 #27
Yes it should. choie May 2025 #31
This is BS, The Real Discussion Needs to be "WHEN DO WE GET UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE?" groundloop May 2025 #28
Clearly Newsom is auditioning for a seat on Trump's cabinet. flashman13 May 2025 #29
That is despicable. choie May 2025 #30
Well that didn't last very long CountAllVotes May 2025 #37
WTF is wrong with Gavin Newsom? soldierant May 2025 #39
Newsom is fucking the disabled over real good w/this CountAllVotes May 2025 #42
Yeah EndlessWire May 2025 #48
he would - is she running? Katie definitely is. soldierant May 2025 #54
It's like that around here. Hugin May 2025 #47
a.m. kick CountAllVotes May 2025 #49
It's just sad Johnny2X2X May 2025 #50
It is bullshit. What they need to do to get around this is transfer assets to a reliable relative or close friend so JohnSJ May 2025 #51
a reliable relative or close friend CountAllVotes May 2025 #53
Google "lookback period". marybourg May 2025 #61
$2000 in 2025 is ridiculous. Brainfodder May 2025 #52
K and R KentuckyWoman May 2025 #58
K&R CountAllVotes May 2025 #63

FirstLight

(15,726 posts)
1. That $2000 rule is bullshit!
Thu May 29, 2025, 07:38 PM
May 2025

I would also lose my healthcare and would have to sell everything I own to pay for insurance or my regular meds that keep me in remission... The 1x/month shot is over 10K EACH!!!

Not my fault that Insurance companies and pharmaceuticals are busting the banks/insurance companes... maybe they should regulate the insurance and pharma companies instead of screwing over people who need healthcare!

This is bullshit and I am going to look for petitions and email my reps and Newsom's office every day I guess...
Will it help?

Warpy

(113,877 posts)
20. It probably looked generous when it was enacted
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:16 PM
May 2025

which is why Democrats have been stupid in letting Republicans tie social spending to fixed dollar amounts in ANY way.

slightlv

(6,516 posts)
38. All social spending should be indexed.
Thu May 29, 2025, 10:04 PM
May 2025

Further, they need to rework the formula for our COLA each year to take into account what and how the elderly spend their money. We don't usually buy concert tickets or buy steaks for the barbee for everyone each weekend. We're lucky if we get to eat one solid, nutritious meal a day. And a lot of it is the way they base the formula. (There's a specific name for it, and I can't remember it now).

That said, I was once very intrigued by Newsome. I honestly thought he had presidential chops. But, like Fetterman, he's completely blown himself up in smoke, AFAIC. Balancing the budget on the elderly, disabled, poor, or young is a continuation of republican mean politics, and is disgusting to be proposed by a democrat, IMO. I've probably stomped on toes here, and I apologize, if so. He's just done so much since trump was put into office that, to me, disqualifies him as a Democrat. He *might* be cozy with the New Wave Democrats (business-oriented dems), but I'm an old time FDR booster. I want another FDR... not a republican lite.

Retrograde

(11,265 posts)
62. $2K is barely a month's rent
Sat May 31, 2025, 01:29 AM
May 2025

in much of the state - and good luck if you want to eat or pay for gas/transportation

Silent Type

(10,826 posts)
4. Think most states have a cruel/criminal $2000 or so cap. Unfortunately, if she loses Medicaid, that $8000 will be
Thu May 29, 2025, 07:51 PM
May 2025

depleted in a month or two for care and she'll be on Medicaid again. Hope someone finds an answer besides austerity and pain for the sick and poor.

madaboutharry

(41,994 posts)
5. How could anyone think that.having $2000 enables a person to pay medical bills.
Thu May 29, 2025, 08:00 PM
May 2025

Three hours in the emergency room costs more than that. There are medications that cost that much in a month or two.

And this is advocated by people who will spend $2000 on a pair of shoes or 3x that on a handbag.

It makes me sick.

AllaN01Bear

(27,285 posts)
6. please note : i am on medi cal and that $ 2000 t limit on assets has been on the books for years .
Thu May 29, 2025, 08:06 PM
May 2025

whe do they have to regurgitate this stuff over and over again is beyond me

marybourg

(13,524 posts)
12. I think most states have the same limit. But as to why it's being regurgitated:
Thu May 29, 2025, 08:56 PM
May 2025

Last edited Thu May 29, 2025, 11:36 PM - Edit history (1)

To stir up indignation. It’s called “pot-stirring”. A certain element of our beloved party is notorious for this tactic.







edited to change “all” to “most”

dsc

(53,117 posts)
16. It was till 2022 then it was at first relaxed
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:06 PM
May 2025

And then removed. He wishes to restore it. I think the 143000 was a good limit

AllaN01Bear

(27,285 posts)
24. my male heath caare worker was on medical until a whle ago and was cut off because he
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:34 PM
May 2025

was at thee $2000 limit for working at another job. had to cut back and is now back on medi cal and medi care.

bucolic_frolic

(52,203 posts)
8. Asset tests will become more common for many types of benefits
Thu May 29, 2025, 08:08 PM
May 2025

It only makes sense to be poor, or very rich. If you penny pinch to be solvent in your old age, you will pay for what the government would otherwise pay for until you are broke. At least under current rules. Starve your life so the state can feed off what you save. Die broke wins. Hate to admit it. Of course with the current mood and party in charge they may stop paying for everything at any point in time.

marybourg

(13,524 posts)
17. They are on Medicaid (MediCal). You are paying their hospital bill.
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:10 PM
May 2025

It doesn’t come out of their $2000.

choie

(6,019 posts)
33. oh for fuck's sake.
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:56 PM
May 2025

Do we leave people with any dignity? I have no problem with my taxes being used to pay for those costs through Medicaid.

marybourg

(13,524 posts)
46. Until everybody can depend on
Fri May 30, 2025, 04:49 AM
May 2025

medical security for themselves and their own children, ie. “socialized medicine “, most will not be happy paying the medical and long term care expenses of people whose net worth, at $32,000, (as allowed in N.Y.) is actually on par with the median for Americans in their 30’s ( much of which may actually be in their homes, whereas home are exempt from the Medicaid calculation).


choie

(6,019 posts)
60. When people are this concerned about the taxes we pay for defense
Fri May 30, 2025, 11:35 PM
May 2025

and all the other bullshit in the budget, I'll be concerned about benefits being paid for "with loans".

leftyladyfrommo

(19,906 posts)
55. When my mother in Washington State was
Fri May 30, 2025, 09:12 PM
May 2025

in a nursing home for 8 years they took all of her savings first an

d then she couldn't have more than $1500 in her account. But she was in a nursing home so her only costs were hair appointments and other small things that she needed. I don't think her savings lasted a year.

My SIL was able to stay at home with Hospice and that was free. They covered her medical costs. I don't think there was any requirement about assets at all.

marybourg

(13,524 posts)
56. Yes, hospice is Medicare. No income or asset test. Everyone on Medicare is eligible
Fri May 30, 2025, 10:13 PM
May 2025

if they are judged to be near death.

Medicaid is different. It’s meant for people who are indigent and it covers their long-term nursing home care. Some people have to “spend down” their assets in order to become eligible, but without Medicaid they would not be able to afford the nursing home.

leftyladyfrommo

(19,906 posts)
59. My neice works in a care center. She said
Fri May 30, 2025, 11:22 PM
May 2025

it's $500 a day.

I also read that assisted living costs $3700 a month.

choie

(6,019 posts)
35. And?
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:59 PM
May 2025

Newsome has the power to decide what the asset limit will be for Medicaid in California. SSI guidelines are determined by the feds. They are not the same. Unless you're tryinng to give Newsome a pass.

multigraincracker

(36,197 posts)
13. It's time for us to demand a "Single Payer"
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:00 PM
May 2025

System like all the other civilized counties. If we get facts out about it, it might get passed after this.

choie

(6,019 posts)
32. Not in New York
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:54 PM
May 2025

Medicaid guidelines are set by each state. California is supposed to be more progressive, but I guess Newsome has other ideas.

not fooled

(6,451 posts)
25. And designed to be more idiotic with the passage of time
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:34 PM
May 2025

because not indexed to inflation.

I get a small rebate on Medicare supplemental insurance from my former employer. As Medicare premiums go up, the rebate does not. Clearly designed to increasingly stick it to the enrollee. Clearly written to screw the public. Disgusting.

Figarosmom

(8,175 posts)
21. When Newsom hits the disabled
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:18 PM
May 2025

It makes him no better than trump.

He better find some other way to meet the budget.

CountAllVotes

(21,939 posts)
64. Looked into this futher
Sat May 31, 2025, 12:15 PM
May 2025

It is 110,000 people that fit into this category in California, myself being one of them.

I'm so DONE with Newsom!

He can have his French Laundry and go straight to hell w/it!

!!

llmart

(16,767 posts)
22. Just watched an excellent program on PBS.
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:19 PM
May 2025

It's titled "Caregiving" and is very well done. It pained me to watch what some of the people in this country are going through. It also dealt with the history of how ;programs to help the disabled and poverty stricken in this country. Anyone watching that part would clearly see a pattern of how most of these programs started with Democratic Presidents, beginning with FDR.

Ilsa

(63,196 posts)
23. Can a Trust be legally set up to allow disabled to
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:27 PM
May 2025

acquire some savings for emergencies and things medicsid doesn't cover? I have a supplemental needs trust set up for my son. My last will & testament divides funds between my other child and the trust.

moonscape

(5,576 posts)
44. I manage the affairs of a childhood friend who
Thu May 29, 2025, 11:46 PM
May 2025

got dementia from open brain surgery (clipping an aneurysm.)

When I sold her house and used the equity to buy a smaller home, I worked with an attorney to set up an Irrevocable Special Needs Trust. One of the benefits is that the cash she has in it is not counted when it comes to Social Services, i.e. would not disqualify her, and can be used for her benefit within certain parameters.

Is that what you have for your son?

Ilsa

(63,196 posts)
45. Pretty much, just slightly different name.
Fri May 30, 2025, 12:15 AM
May 2025

It provides a financial conduit for gifts and inheritance without triggering a stop in financial services.

choie

(6,019 posts)
31. Yes it should.
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:52 PM
May 2025

That threshold is set by the federal government, Medicaid guidelines are set by states. So thats Newsome's choice.

groundloop

(13,253 posts)
28. This is BS, The Real Discussion Needs to be "WHEN DO WE GET UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE?"
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:44 PM
May 2025

Wasting time talking about BS like this is just another distraction which will wind up dividing us even more than we already are. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE NOW!!!!!!!

choie

(6,019 posts)
30. That is despicable.
Thu May 29, 2025, 09:49 PM
May 2025

My state, NY, has a resouce threshold of almost $33,000 and that doesn't include ones primary home. It's goddamn cruel.

soldierant

(8,897 posts)
39. WTF is wrong with Gavin Newsom?
Thu May 29, 2025, 10:07 PM
May 2025

I guess we should be grateful he is showing us wh he really is befoe he gets any higher office than the one he has.

Katie Porter for Governor!

CountAllVotes

(21,939 posts)
42. Newsom is fucking the disabled over real good w/this
Thu May 29, 2025, 10:32 PM
May 2025

It is called the Partnership.

It is a combination of Medi-Cal and Medicaid.

So you are on both if over 65 years old and disabled.

I just got on this last year after only getting $23 a month in help via food stamps after my husband died.

Then all of a sudden it is sign up NOW for Medi-Cal and Medicaid Partnership. And so I did.

The grifter giveth and the grifter taketh it away quickly.

EndlessWire

(8,078 posts)
48. Yeah
Fri May 30, 2025, 06:17 AM
May 2025

He's like those guys that hate rump's guts until they visit with him, and then are doing trumpian things.

What was it he did. He said the homeless, who by definition are homeless and have no place to go, had to be cleared out of...somewhere. And then he did something I can't remember (so much going on) which was also nasty, and now this.

He's not Presidential quality. But he never was.

Kamala would make a good Governor. I'm starting not to care about anything. Looking forward to Pope Leo, though.

Hugin

(36,843 posts)
47. It's like that around here.
Fri May 30, 2025, 05:41 AM
May 2025

In order to receive Medicaid assistance a person literally can’t own a pair of shoes.

It achieved this draconian nadir during the last brief Republican majority and the following Democratic majorities have done precious little to change it.

CountAllVotes

(21,939 posts)
49. a.m. kick
Fri May 30, 2025, 09:38 AM
May 2025

For the disabled out there and yes, each and every one of "us" is suffering and doing without!



Johnny2X2X

(23,280 posts)
50. It's just sad
Fri May 30, 2025, 10:07 AM
May 2025

I have family and friends that are disabled. They are responsible and live on tight budgets, they are very disciplined and know where every single dollar goes. But they run into this crap all the time, they can't save for emergencies because if they get $2K in their savings their benefits get threatened. So to have any sense of security means stashing cash around the house.

I can't imagine the anxiety of living like that, always knowing you're one accident away from financial ruin. Never being able to save up a significant buffer for fear of losing all you have.

 

JohnSJ

(98,883 posts)
51. It is bullshit. What they need to do to get around this is transfer assets to a reliable relative or close friend so
Fri May 30, 2025, 10:22 AM
May 2025

the assets do not contribute to the stupid $2000 limit.


CountAllVotes

(21,939 posts)
53. a reliable relative or close friend
Fri May 30, 2025, 12:10 PM
May 2025

Very difficult to find someone like this.

I guess I've learned the hard way over the years and that is, I am alone with the disabilities I have. Depending on others is a hardship as I'm in that boat right now.

No help, no food, no nothing at the moment. No way to get around now either.

How long will I be able to go on like this? Had I known Newsom was going to pull the rug out from under me, I might not have sold the car I had a month ago.





Brainfodder

(7,712 posts)
52. $2000 in 2025 is ridiculous.
Fri May 30, 2025, 10:29 AM
May 2025

I recall a 20,000 max addition that made it impossible for many in need then and going to 1/10? Absurd, just admit you don't want to help people and own it and FUCK OFF, tyvm.


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