[NFBSF] Legislative alert: Medi-cal asset limit

[Monica Wegner]

Hello NFBSF,

First off, I am just a blind bay area resident and so this ask is not on behalf of the NFB. I don't know whether the NFB has a position on this. That being said:
Disability Rights California has flagged that the governor's May budget has reinstituted a $2,000 asset limit for Medi-Cal qualification. Here is their post and their ask.
We need your help! Currently, the California Assembly is accepting the $2,000 asset limit ($3000 for a couple) in Gov. Newsom's May Revision Budget. This marks the return of an asset limit which was established in the 1980s and was removed in 2024 after relentless advocacy. This asset limit forces people with disabilities and seniors to live in extreme poverty to access Medi-Cal, a program that many rely on for access to the medications and health care services they need to manage their disabilities. It is unjust and inhumane to enact a low, strict asset limit, especially during this period where millions of Californians are struggling financially.
Call the Assembly and express your opposition to the asset limits! Take action TODAY and call the main contacts below.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Chair Assembly Budget Committee: 916-319-2046
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas: 916-319-2029
Some helpful talking points:
- I am opposed to the Assembly's agreement to impose a $2,000 asset limit in Medi-Cal for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Delaying this proposal is unacceptable, and the Assembly should fully reject this unfair and harmful proposal.
- A $2,000 asset limit prevents people from having any savings, putting them one emergency away from financial ruin.
Source: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/DisabilityRightsCalifornia/posts/pfbid02RjGdreAQygM9FTy1XFCTH6vEAb8uKECjU8d76pF7aTXpxMDpcXpR64EcvoJuWXFyl>
There is also a Fast Action<https://secure.everyaction.com/pKUGvaJrGU6BaziBpU7qnA2> campaign for this.
More information on the May budget and DRC's take is available via the DRC's press release<https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/latest-news/disability-rights-californias-summary-of-the-governors-proposed-may-revision-2026-27>.

I have called the assembly and joined the Fast Action  effort and I hope you will too.

Monica