California Medi-Cal Rules Changed in 2026: Why Now Is the Time to Review Your Estate Plan
Most people do not spend much time thinking about long-term care until a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, that is often the worst time to begin planning. Over the years, I have met with many individuals and couples who assumed they had plenty of time to update their estate plans. Then a spouse suffered a stroke. A parent received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Someone experienced a serious fall, hospitalization, or unexpected decline in health. Suddenly, the family was faced with difficult decisions involving medical care, finances, and legal documents. Recent changes to California Medi-Cal rules (effective January 1, 2026) provide an excellent reason to review your estate plan now rather than waiting until a crisis develops.
Estate Planning Is About More Than What Happens After Death
When most people think about estate planning, they think about wills, trusts, and who will receive their property after they pass away. However, one of the most valuable functions of a well-designed estate plan is helping protect you and your family while you are still living.
A comprehensive estate plan should help answer questions such as who will manage your finances if you become incapacitated, who will make medical decisions if you cannot communicate, and how your family can avoid unnecessary stress and expense.
What Changed Under the New Medi-Cal Rules?
California’s Medi-Cal program has undergone significant changes in recent years. Effective January 1, 2026, asset limits once again became an important consideration for many individuals seeking Medi-Cal benefits.Many Californians assumed that asset protection and long-term care planning were no longer concerns because prior rule changes had relaxed certain asset limitations. The 2026 changes remind us that planning remains important.
The Cost of Long-Term Care
Long-term care may include in-home caregivers, assisted living communities, memory care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. These services can cost thousands of dollars each month. In some cases, annual care costs may exceed $100,000.
Many clients tell me they are less concerned about taxes than they are about the possibility of needing long-term care and exhausting their savings.
Why Dementia Planning Matters
One of the greatest concerns facing many retirees today is the possibility of cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of Americans and often create significant challenges for families. Family members may notice missed bill payments, confusion regarding finances, or difficulty managing investments long before a formal diagnosis is made. When powers of attorney and advance health care directives are already in place, families are often better positioned to help.
A Situation I Have Seen Many Times
A family postpones planning because everything appears fine. Then a parent experiences a sudden health crisis. The children begin searching for trust documents, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and financial records. Sometimes the documents are outdated. Sometimes they were never signed.
Planning ahead does not eliminate every problem. However, it frequently makes difficult situations much easier to manage.
“But I Already Have a Trust”
Having a revocable living trust is excellent. Trusts can help avoid probate, provide continuity during incapacity, and simplify administration after death.
However, many people are surprised to learn that a revocable living trust does not automatically solve every long-term care planning issue. Many trusts were created years ago and have never been reviewed.
Why Powers of Attorney Are So Important
A Durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. Likewise, an Advance Health Care Directive allows you to designate who will make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes.
Protecting a Spouse
One of the greatest concerns among married couples is protecting the spouse who remains healthy. Many people mistakenly believe that if one spouse requires nursing home care, the family must spend nearly everything before assistance becomes available.
Every situation is unique. Early planning generally creates more options and flexibility.
Estate Planning Is a Gift to Your Family
Many people think estate planning is about documents. In reality, estate planning is often about reducing stress for the people you love.
When important decisions have already been made and legal documents are in place, children and spouses are less likely to face uncertainty during a medical crisis.
How Often Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
A good rule of thumb is every three to five years. You should also consider a review after retirement, the death of a spouse, a significant inheritance, a major health diagnosis, a move, or significant legal changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a revocable living trust protect assets from nursing home costs? Generally, no.
Can I still qualify for Medi-Cal if I own my home? Often, yes.
What happens if I become incapacitated without a power of attorney? Your family may need court authority to manage your affairs.
The Bottom Line
The biggest mistake I see families make is assuming there will always be more time. None of us can predict the future. What we can do is prepare.
The families who generally have the most options are the families who planned before they needed care. If your estate plan has not been reviewed in several years, or if you have questions regarding California’s 2026 Medi-Cal changes, now may be an excellent time to schedule a review.
The best time to plan is before you need the plan.
About Michael J. Young
Michael J. Young is a California attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning, elder law, Medi-Cal planning, probate, and trust administration. He assists individuals and families throughout California, including Walnut Creek, Rossmoor, Contra Costa County, and surrounding communities.
Walnut Creek Elder Law in Walnut Creek, California
Michael J. Young is an experienced elder law, estate planning and asset protection planning attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. Mr. Young advises his clients regarding their estate planning needs with an emphasis on asset protection, Medi-Cal qualification, and preservation of assets for various levels of their care as they get older. Mr. Young’s journey into elder law began when his mother suffered from an acute injury that required her to be in a skilled nursing facility.
He is co-author of the book, Don’t Go Broke in A Nursing Home and is the author of the “Alzheimer’s Legal Survival Guide.” Mr. Young presents monthly workshops in Walnut Creek regarding estate planning, asset protection, and Medi-Cal planning. He has helped many clients over the years successfully qualify for Medi-Cal and has protected their assets from state recovery. Call today to schedule a consultation (925) 256-0298.
Why Your Estate Plan Must Include Care Authority, Medi-Cal Strategy, and Continuing Care Agreements
How New Medi-Cal Rules Are Changing Trusts and Powers of Attorney
Why Estate Planning for Medi-Cal Is Now Critical for Older Clients
Why Coordination Between the Trust and Power of Attorney Is Critical
Estate planning today requires more than traditional documents.
How Proper Planning Can Protect Your Family and Your Home
Trust Administration After a Death: What Trustees Need to Know
Remote Elder-Law and Estate Planning Services: Now Available Statewide
As an asset protection attorney in California, I help families safeguard the nest eggs they spent decades building. For years, the biggest threat to that wealth hasn’t come from a stock market crash or a lawsuit. The real danger has come from the catastrophic cost of long-term skilled nursing care. 
Why You Should Appoint a Co-Trustee Before Memory Fails
When a loved one passes away, the grief is often compounded by the complex legal landscape that follows. For many families in California, this journey includes navigating the intricacies of a trust administration. Unlike the often-dreaded “probate” process, a well-drafted trust aims to simplify the transfer of wealth. However, do not mistake that promise of ease for simplicity. Trust administration is a detailed, multi-faceted undertaking with significant legal implications. And without an experienced estate planning attorney or elder law attorney, fiduciaries can easily stumble into costly pitfalls.
The Medi-Cal rules for skilled nursing care are undergoing a significant change. We are writing to provide this important update on the reinstatement of asset limits. Unfortunately, these will impact eligibility starting on January 1, 2026. Understanding which assets will and will not count effectively protects your family’s future.
Planning for Peace of Mind: A Guide to Navigating the Financial and Emotional Demands of Dementia Care
All About Special Needs Trust Planning
Protecting Your Family’s Legacy: Avoiding Probate for Your Home
Protecting Your Medi-Cal Assets for Skilled Nursing Care in California
Seamless Estate Planning 
Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis 
How the Right Legal Guidance Changed Everything in an Unexpected Inheritance
When the Unthinkable Happens: How One Walnut Creek Family Found Peace During Probate
Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Amidst the grief, the legal process of probate can feel overwhelming and complex. As a probate attorney here in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, CA, I understand the emotional weight you carry. What’s more, I get the need for clear, compassionate guidance through this process. In this blog, we discuss the importance of hiring the right probate attorney. 
In California, probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and appraising assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. Critically, probate is mandatory for estates valued above $184,500 for deaths occurring after April 1, 2022, and above $166,250 for deaths prior to that date.
Probate is not a quick process. In California, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and the court’s workload. Handling probate independently means dedicating a significant amount of time to:
Certain assets and smaller estates may bypass formal probate, allowing for simplified transfer processes:
About Walnut Creek Elder Law in Walnut Creek, California
Estate planning is often perceived as something only the wealthy or elderly need to consider. Estate planning misconceptions prevent many people from taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. In reality, estate planning is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or financial status. Let’s debunk some common myths and explore why estate planning is essential for you.
How to Avoid Family Feuds in Your Estate Plan
erous advantages that can provide peace of mind and ensure a smooth and successful probate process.
Trust administration can be a complex and daunting task, even for the most organized and diligent individuals. While many trustees may feel they can handle the responsibilities on their own. Thus, hiring an experienced attorney affords numerous benefits. This is particularly true in protecting the trustee from potential claims by beneficiaries.
As the year draws to a close, all of us at the Law Offices of Michael J. Young, Inc. extend our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year to our valued clients and their families. This time of year is often filled with joy and celebration, but we understand it can also be a challenging time for some.
At the Law Offices of Michael J. Young, Inc., we consider our clients part of our extended family. We are committed to providing not only expert legal guidance but also compassionate support during life’s transitions. Estate planning is about more than just documents; it’s about ensuring the well-being and security of your loved ones, especially during vulnerable times.
About Walnut Creek Elder Law in Walnut Creek, California
Peace of mind can be difficult to maintain at any age. But as you navigate the journey of aging, it is essential to ensure your future is as radiant as your spirit. Your 50s and 60s are the ideal time to secure your legacy and safeguard your well-being. 
Don’t Delay: Secure Your Future
The Essential Role of an Elder Law Estate Planning Attorney
A Legal Perspective: Witnessing the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) 
Senior independence can be elusive. As an elder law attorney, I often hear from my clients about their strong desire to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. This sentiment is understandable, as familiar surroundings can provide a sense of comfort, security, and control. 
Alzheimer’s Disease
People often overlook long-term care relative to estate planning. But it is a crucial aspect to consider. The cost of care can be substantial, and without proper planning, it can deplete your assets and leave your loved ones financially burdened. This blog post will discuss the importance of talking to your estate planning attorney about long-term care planning and explore various options to help you cover the costs of your care if needed.
Prioritizing Caretaker Health: A Crucial Aspect of Dementia Care
It’s a delicate topic, but one of paramount importance: the conversation about finances as we age. Many older individuals are hesitant to discuss their assets and financial plans with loved ones, fearing a loss of control or potential exploitation. However, open communication about financial matters is essential for ensuring a smooth transition into potential future care needs.
In this blog post, we discuss fall prevention strategies to help foster older adult independence. As people age, the desire to maintain independence and live at home is strong. However, the risks associated with this lifestyle, particularly the threat of falls, cannot be ignored. Falls are a common and serious problem among older adults, often leading to injuries, loss of independence, and even death. While it’s important to promote aging in place, it’s equally crucial to address the potential hazards that come with it. 
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. While there are many types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Choosing an elder care facility for a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It’s essential to find a place that not only meets your loved one’s physical needs but also provides a nurturing and stimulating environment. Here are some tips to help you find the right facility:
Living with a spouse or partner is a beautiful journey filled with shared memories and familiar routines. But as time goes by, changes are inevitable. One such change that can be particularly unsettling is the possibility of early dementia. Here, we’ll explore some of the early signs to watch for, how to cope with the emotional impact, and steps you can take for medical evaluation, legal planning, and future financial security.
Alzheimer’s disease, a relentless thief of memories and independence, has long cast a shadow on the lives of millions. For those diagnosed and their families, the outlook has often felt bleak. But recent advancements in drug development offer a glimmer of hope, particularly for older adults in the early stages of the disease. In this blog, we discuss new Alzheimer’s drugs. 
They say happy wife, happy life. But what about happy spouse, happy marriage? In the often-fraught territory of long-term relationships, it turns out that a spouse’s hobbies, particularly a husband’s, can be a surprising secret weapon. Here’s how pursuing individual passions can strengthen your marriage and keep the spark alive. 
Sleepless Nights: Health Concerns, Caregiving, and Estate Planning for Seniors
As we age, our needs change. For many people over 65, staying independent at home becomes a priority. But what happens when daily tasks become a challenge? The good news is there’s a wide range of senior care options available in the United States, designed to support individuals with varying levels of needs. Let’s explore the most common types of senior care options for both men and women.
Planning for the future of an aging loved one is always a delicate task. However, it becomes even more complex when facing two challenging realities: hoarding and dementia. This combination presents unique hurdles in managing their belongings and ensuring their well-being. However, with the right approach and guidance, families can navigate these challenging waters and create a comprehensive estate plan.
As we age, the fear of falling becomes a prevalent concern. And with good reason. According to the CDC, one in four older adults experiences a fall each year, with consequences ranging from bruises to debilitating injuries. But the good news is, falls are not inevitable. By taking proactive steps, fall prevention tips can help you reduce your risk and maintain your independence for longer.
For decades, Alzheimer’s disease has loomed like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over individuals and families alike. Characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, it has remained a daunting challenge with no definitive cure. However, recent 
As we age, our lives change in many ways. Some changes are positive, like having more time for hobbies and spending time with loved ones. But there are also some challenges that come with age, such as health problems, financial concerns, care concerns, and the loss of loved ones. These challenges can be difficult to cope with, and they can often lead to worry and anxiety. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common worries that lead to sleeplessness. We will also provide some tips on how to cope with these worries and get a better night’s sleep.
While dementia is often associated with 
You may struggle if you have a loved one who has dementia during the holidays. Although the holidays can be a time of great joy and celebration, they cause stress and anxiety for couples where one partner has dementia. The changes in memory, behavior, and personality that come with dementia can be difficult to deal with, and it can be hard to know how to make the holidays special for both of you.
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive brain damage. Symptoms typically begin in mid-adulthood and worsen over time. HD can cause movement disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. 
Gift card scams are a common type of fraud that targets older adults. Scammers may call, email, or text older adults claiming to be from a government agency, financial institution, or well-known company. They may tell the older adult that they have won a prize, that their account has been compromised, or that they need to pay a fee to avoid a penalty. The scammer will then ask the older adult to purchase a gift card and provide the gift card number and PIN number to the scammer.
Multi-infarct Dementia indicates a decline in cognitive function. Typically, the severity interferes with daily life. There are many different types of dementia, but the two most common are Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia (MID). Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These proteins damage and kill brain cells, leading to memory loss, difficulty thinking and reasoning, and personality changes.
I look into your eyes, But I don’t see you there. The light that once was there, Is gone, and I don’t know where.
Driving is a complicated task for anyone. And as people age, they may experience numerous changes. For example, age impacts vision, hearing, reflexes, and cognitive abilities. All these could complicate the task of driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asserts this fact. About 10 percent of all U.S. fatal crashes involve drivers who are 65 (and older).
The 90-second rule is a clinical tool that can be used to screen for Alzheimer’s disease in a brief period of time. It involves asking the patient a series of questions about their memory, orientation, and executive function. If the patient answers two or more of the questions incorrectly, they may be referred for further testing to confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. 
Telephone scams are a major problem for older adults. Scammers often target this age group because they are more likely to be trusting and have more financial resources. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 2 million reports of fraud targeting older adults, with losses totaling over $1 billion. There are several things that elderly people can do to protect themselves from telephone scams: 
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Are concerned that you or a loved one has dementia? See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Although no cure exists for dementia, medications and therapies often help slow disease progression and improve quality of life. 
You won’t know the difficulties of caregiving until you become a caregiver. Many people take on the challenge because it involves someone they love. In the US, 
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In California, the probate process is a court-supervised proceeding. Thus, it takes place after someone dies. Thus, in this blog post, we will provide an overview of the probate process in California.
When to hire a probate attorney? The passing of a loved one can be a difficult and emotional time. On top of grieving, the settling of the deceased individual’s estate often requires navigating the legal process of probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets to their heirs and settling any remaining debts. However, an experienced probate attorney eases the complex and stressful process. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that hiring a probate attorney isn’t always necessary. Ultimately, the estate may qualify for a 
There are many reasons people don’t want their estates going to probate and lots of ways to avoid it. One reason they prefer to avoid it is because probate incurs additional expenses and can tie up an estate for months or more. Though some states and localities have streamlined the process (primarily for less expensive properties), probate often still requires extra work and costs on the family’s behalf. What’s more, probate records remain public. So anyone can view them. This blog explains how to avoid probate.
Each of the California county superior courts offers a probate department where they administer decedents’ estates. Through the court process, the court distributes assets of the estate to the decedent’s beneficiaries or heirs. An estate planning attorney starts a probate case with or without a will. The probate court process allows the executor to pay the decedent’s outstanding taxes and debts from their assets. If the decedent possessed a valid will, the court divides the estate assets to beneficiaries pursuant to the instructions set forth in the will. In the absences of a will, the estate assets pass to the decedent’s heirs. The laws of intestate succession in California apply. In other words, without a will, the court assess heirs and asset distribution. This blog post looks at celebrity estates. 
In an attempt to help our clients and friends understand probate terms, we have assembled this short probate dictionary, which features helpful probate terms.
Are Probate Court Records Public In California?
Transfer your home to a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) for several reasons. First, doing so will prevent probate of your home when you die. Another reason is that, as of January 1, 2017, if you die after collecting Medi-Cal, the state cannot pursue recovery against your home if it is in your RLT. In this blog post, we examine what’s called the “Heggstad” Petition. 
Probate Timeline
Many young adults believe they are too young to concern themselves with estate planning. While in their 20’s and 30’s they think they don’t own enough assets to constitute an estate. However, an estate is the total of everything you own – money, investments, real estate, vehicles, business interests, digital assets (including cryptocurrency), and other personal belongings. No matter how much (or little) you own, your possessions need to go somewhere after you die. No one plans to die young. But if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is uncertain. This blog post confronts the myth that estate planning is just for the rich and the old. 
Each May, elder law attorneys throughout the country educate their clients and communities about legal options relative to elder care. Therefore, as a licensed elder law and estate planning attorney, Michael J. Young loves to share his knowledge about legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of seniors and people with disabilities.
The modern centerpiece of a California estate plan is a 
Before you see an estate planning attorney, decide who to name as beneficiaries of your estate. Also, consider asset distribution.
A 
Court rules and requirements regarding probate procedure overwhelm people. However, probate courts often respond to these rules differently. Accordingly, the following information covers generalities about California probate. Please refrain from referring to them as a treatise. These guidelines offer an idea about what many 
How much does probate cost in California?
To prepare to meet with your 
An introduction from 
WHEN WILL A PROBATE OF REAL PROPERTY BE REQUIRED WHEN SOMEONE DIES?
Let me first say that we hope all of you are doing well and are keeping safe. In light of the present health crisis, we are receiving an increasing number of calls every day from existing clients and new clients who want to know if we can help them NOW. The answer is YES we can!
