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Medicare and Medi-Cal:
how to keep your
benefits and your home
If you're new to them, they can look like two long words that both start with M. The difference is who pays, how, and for what. Many people only learn this when it's too late.
Consultations are free, in Russian or English. We also hold free community seminars.
Finding out at the pharmacy
Alisa Yurchenko, Executive Director of the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs, describes the situation she sees most often.
A person has had Medi-Cal for years. Then their income changes a little, or the
rules change, or a notice comes saying their coverage will end. They think, "I'll deal with it later," or "I'm going on Medicare soon anyway, so I'll wait." Then the coverage ends. They find out at the pharmacy, when they're told their medicine is no longer covered.
A person has had Medi-Cal for years. Then their income changes a little, or the
rules change, or a notice comes saying their coverage will end. They think, "I'll deal with it later," or "I'm going on Medicare soon anyway, so I'll wait." Then the coverage ends. They find out at the pharmacy, when they're told their medicine is no longer covered.
"This isn't about being irresponsible. It's that the letters are written in a language that makes sense
to the people who wrote them, not to the people who get them."
to the people who wrote them, not to the people who get them."
Alisa Yurchenko
Executive Director, Council for Cross Cultural Affairs
Medicare and Medi-Cal compared
Medicare
Medi-Cal
Who qualifies, based on
Age or disability
Income and assets
Run by
Federal government
State of California
Long-term care
Very limited
Covered
Dental and vision
Only in some plans
Covered
Monthly premiums
Part B premium and plan premiums
Usually none
What you get with both
programs
If you qualify for both, Medicare pays first, and Medi-Cal covers most of the rest, including premiums, copays, and deductibles. The amount you pay yourself goes down a lot.
People with both programs can also usually join plans with extra benefits. These can include money for groceries, fitness programs, dental and vision care, rides to the doctor, and even doctor visits at home.
People with both programs can also usually join plans with extra benefits. These can include money for groceries, fitness programs, dental and vision care, rides to the doctor, and even doctor visits at home.
"Unfortunately, many people don't use these benefits,
either because they don't know about them or because they're afraid of losing the help they have."
either because they don't know about them or because they're afraid of losing the help they have."
From our work at the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs
Asking about a benefit will not put your coverage at risk.
What to know in 2026
The asset limit is back
Since January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal counts assets again for members 65 and older. Through June 30, 2027, the limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member. Starting July 1, 2027, the limit drops to $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for a couple, plus $1,550 for each additional household member. Your main home, one car, personal belongings, and retirement accounts that pay you regularly don’t count. If you’re already on Medi-Cal, your assets will be checked at your next yearly renewal, so watch for that letter.
Your home and the "yellow letter" (see note 2)
After a Medi-Cal member dies, the state may ask to be paid back for its costs.
This is called Estate Recovery. Since 2017
(SB 833), the state can do this only from property that goes through probate, the court process for passing on an inheritance. It applies only to certain services received at age 55 or older, and never while a spouse is alive. A home
held in a trust does not go through probate.
This is called Estate Recovery. Since 2017
(SB 833), the state can do this only from property that goes through probate, the court process for passing on an inheritance. It applies only to certain services received at age 55 or older, and never while a spouse is alive. A home
held in a trust does not go through probate.
Don't let your coverage end
If your Medi-Cal ends and your Medicare hasn't started yet, you could go several months without any coverage. Open every notice as soon as it arrives.
Three common mistakes
Mixing up the two programs
Some people think Medicare and Medi-Cal are the same thing, or that one is a new name for the other. Because of this, they lose one program while thinking they still have the other.
Waiting on purpose
"I'm going on Medicare soon anyway, so I'll wait." But several months can pass between losing one coverage and
starting the other. What if you need a doctor during that time?
starting the other. What if you need a doctor during that time?
"I'll just sign the house over to my kids"
Giving your house to your children can cause tax problems for them and can affect your Medi-Cal eligibility. A regular will does not keep a home out of probate either. Properly prepared documents, such as a trust, can.
A story: what the right
documents do
A 54-year-old single mother died of COVID. She left behind an adult daughter with a disability, who knew nothing about her mother's money. Luckily, the mother had set up a trust ahead of time. Because of the trust, the daughter could put the house in her own name without problems. She also got access to savings she hadn't known about.
"If those documents hadn't existed, the daughter would have been left without a home."
From our work at the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs
If you need legal documents, we'll connect you with an estate planning specialist and set up a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney. The documents usually take 7 to 10 days to prepare.
I'm turning 65. Does Medicare start on its own?
Read next →
Who we are
The Council for Cross Cultural Affairs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Sacramento. We
hold seminars and one-on-one meetings
in English and Russian. We don't sell insurance, and we don't give legal advice.
We explain how things work. We answer the questions people feel embarrassed to ask because they think, "I'm an adult.
hold seminars and one-on-one meetings
in English and Russian. We don't sell insurance, and we don't give legal advice.
We explain how things work. We answer the questions people feel embarrassed to ask because they think, "I'm an adult.
We hold free seminars on Medicare and Medi-Cal in Russian. We explain how the system works in simple words, go through real letters, and answer questions. Some people sign up on their own. Some come with their children. Some come with a neighbor just for company, and then the neighbor asks the best questions.
To learn about the next seminar, call (916) 483-5454.
How the free consultation works
Step 1
Fill out the form or call (916) 483-5454. We'll call you back within one business day to set up a time that works for you.
We can meet by phone, by video, or in person in Sacramento.
We can meet by phone, by video, or in person in Sacramento.
Step 2
We look at your situation together: your age and deadlines, your doctors, your prescriptions, and whether you have
Medi-Cal or insurance through work. You can bring the letters you don't understand, and you can bring your children.
Medi-Cal or insurance through work. You can bring the letters you don't understand, and you can bring your children.
Step 3
You leave with a clear plan: what to sign up for, when to do it, and where to go. The decision is always yours.
Why is it free? We're a nonprofit, and explaining these programs is our mission. We don't charge for consultations or seminars, and
you don't owe us anything after
we talk.
you don't owe us anything after
we talk.
Book a free consultation
Leave your name and phone number. We'll call you back and answer your questions in Russian
or English.
or English.
Prefer to call? (916) 483-5454
Important:
Never give personal information over the phone to people you don't know.
Never give personal information over the phone to people you don't know.
Important: Never
give personal information over
the phone to
people you don't
know.
give personal information over
the phone to
people you don't
know.
Never sign anything a stranger sends you by mail. There is a lot of fraud around Medicare and Medi-
Cal right now.
Cal right now.
Questions people ask us
Can I have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Yes. If you qualify for both, having both usually saves you the most money.
If I get Medicare, will I lose Medi-Cal?
Not automatically. The two programs work together, and Medi-Cal has its own rules for who qualifies.
Does my home count toward the $130,000 limit?
No. Your main home doesn't count as long as you live in it or plan to move
back into it.
back into it.
Do I have to be a citizen?
Not always, but the rules depend on your immigration status. Under a 2025 federal law, Medicare is mainly for citizens and green card holders, and Medi-Cal also has limits for some other statuses. Every case is different, so we look at each one separately.
How much does your help cost?
Nothing. We're a nonprofit, and we don't charge for consultations.
Do you hold seminars?
Yes. Our seminars are free and in Russian. To learn about the next seminar and sign up, call (916) 483-5454.