Absolute Trust Talk

Federal Medicaid cuts have dominated the news cycle, but there's a California-specific change that's barely getting attention—and it could blindside thousands of current Medi-Cal recipients. Starting again in 2026, the state is reinstating asset limits for Medi-Cal long-term care coverage, a requirement that was eliminated just two years ago. In this episode, estate planning attorney Kirsten Howe unpacks what this means if you or someone you love relies on elderly or disabled Medi-Cal benefits. She explains the $130,000 asset threshold, which assets remain exempt, and why your 2026 annual eligibility report could jeopardize your coverage.  Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 0:02 What's getting lost in the headlines: California's quiet asset limit reversal versus the federal Medicaid funding cuts everyone's talking about 1:56 Understanding MAGI Medi-Cal: the income-based coverage created under the Affordable Care Act for lower-income Californians 2:17 Why long-term care Medi-Cal is different—and why th