Giving a little cash to grandkids feels like the kind of generosity nobody should have to second-guess. But in 2026, California brought back rules that make certain gifts risky for older adults and people with disabilities—especially if long-term care ever enters the picture. The surprise is that the problem usually isn’t the gift itself; it’s the timing and the paper trail when someone later needs a higher level of care. If your budget depends on Medi-Cal coverage, a well-meaning transfer can create delays right when stability matters most. Here’s what changed, what to watch, and how to help family without accidentally triggering a coverage crisis.
