Medi-Cal Share of Cost 2026: What Changed (and What Didn't)

The Medi-Cal Share of Cost rule was supposed to be fixed by now. California committed in 2024 to raising the maintenance need level to roughly $1,700 a month starting January 2025 - then the budget shortfall hit, the fix was cut, and the number stayed exactly where it has been since 1989: $600. In this video, Ellen gives the honest 2026 update, and more importantly, the two ways families actually get out from under a Share of Cost burden. → To get updates on rule changes as they happen, subscribe to our newsletter: cookmanlaw.com/newsletter/ → Talk with our intake team: cookmanlaw.com/talk-with-intake-team/ A note: At Cookman Law, we don't handle Medi-Cal applications or changes - we’re happy to refer you to a trusted benefits counselor. We handle the estate and special needs planning that protects these benefits long term. Subscribe and we'll keep you posted as these rules move. Timestamps: 00:00 The fix that didn't happen 00:59 How Share of Cost works 01:43 Why $600 hasn't changed since 1989 02:47 The SSI-to-CDB scenario 04:17 Option 1: supplemental insurance 04:55 Option 2: 250% Working Disabled Program 06:16 How Cookman Law can help ✅ Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay up to date! https://cookmanlaw.com/newsletter/ ✅ FREE Initial Call 👇👇 https://cookmanlaw.com/talk-to-intake... ✅ Download the Special Needs Planning Webinar 👇👇 https://l3jzs7tx.pages.infusionsoft.n... ✅ Please Subscribe to my channel I put out a new video every week →    / @ellencookman-estateplanningsnt   ✅ FREE Guides to Special Needs Trusts 👇👇 https://cookmanlaw.com/special-needs-... ✅ Download the Webinar on Estate Planning 👇👇 https://194u7bvs.pages.infusionsoft.n... 💥 Follow me on Social Media 💥 Instagram:   / cookman_law   Facebook:   / cookmanlaw   LinkedIn:   / ellen-cookman-jd-ll-m-88728b12   Website: https://cookmanlaw.com/ Looking forward to connecting! Please call or text with any Estate Planning questions: (650) 690-2571 The content of this YouTube channel is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should not rely upon any information contained on this YouTube channel for legal advice. Viewing this YouTube channel is not intended to and shall not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Ellen Cookman or Cookman Law, PC. Messages or other forms of communication that you transmit to this YouTube channel will not create an attorney-client relationship and thus information contained in such communications may not be protected as privileged. Neither Ellen Cookman nor Cookman Law, PC makes any representation, warranty, or guarantee about the accuracy of the information contained in this YouTube channel or in links to other YouTube channels or websites. This YouTube channel is provided "as is," does not represent that any outcome or result from viewing of this channel. Your use viewing of this YouTube channel is at your own risk. You enjoy this YouTube channel and its contents only for personal, non-commercial purposes. Neither Ellen Cookman, Cookman Law, PC, nor anyone acting on their behalf, will be liable under any circumstances for damages of any kind. #medical #shareofcost #publicbenefits