California Legislature Protects Access to Medi-Cal and In-Home Care in Final 2025-26 State Budget

Strategic Insights -

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2025-26 state budget into law, delivering on promises to protect access to Medi-Cal and in-home care. In a marked departure from the Governor's original proposal, the final budget reinstates a much higher Medi-Cal asset limit of $130,000 for individuals and does not include a proposal to cap overtime hours for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers. This move is a significant victory for seniors, children, adults with disabilities, and home care workers throughout California, who would have been disproportionately affected by the proposed cuts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Nanette Barragan led 16 members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in a letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom and State Legislators to reject reinstating the $2000 Medi-Cal asset limit and capping overtime hours for IHSS providers.
  • The final budget negotiated by the Governor and State Legislature did not include the proposal to cap overtime hours for IHSS providers.
  • The reinstated Medi-Cal asset limit of $130,000 will help ensure that seniors and adults with disabilities can continue to access essential healthcare services.
  • Congresswoman Nanette Barragan issued a statement thanking the Governor and State Legislators for their efforts to protect access to Medi-Cal and in-home care.
  • The final budget represents a significant victory for California's vulnerable populations, who will continue to have access to essential healthcare services.
  • The California Legislature's actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting the state's most vulnerable residents, including seniors, children, and adults with disabilities.
  • The final budget also highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving key policy objectives.

Statistics:

  • $130,000: The reinstated Medi-Cal asset limit for individuals, as proposed in the final budget.
  • $2000: The original Mei-Cal asset limit proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
  • 16: The number of members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation who signed a letter urging Governor Newsom and State Legislators to reject the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit and overtime cap.

Sources:

  • Congresswoman Nanette Barragan's press release issued on July 13, 2025, via https://barragan.house.gov/2025/07/13/press-release-rep-barragan-thanks-governor-newsom-and-state-legislators-for-protecting-access-to-medi-cal-and-in-home-care-in-final-2025-26-state-budget-signed-into-law/