Medi-Cal Planning

Nursing homes are the best place for the elderly and those with debilitating conditions. However, nursing homes are costly, ranging from $8,500 to $15,000 per month. A lifetime’s savings can vanish in a very short period of time. Some initial costs may be covered by Medicare. However, Medicare does not pay for long-term skilled care. Luckily, California has a solution in the form of Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal covers the cost of nursing home care. Although Medi-Cal has strict eligibility requirements, with the proper planning, nearly everyone can qualify for benefits.

There is a common misconception that giving away assets to family members will help to meet these eligibility requirements. Currently, California examines your assets and financial transactions (including gifting) 30 months prior to the date of your application. This is also known as the look-back period. Dissolving assets improperly during this period could result in Medi-Cal ineligibility! An attorney can guide you through these complicated rules, and develop strategies within the law to meet these eligibility requirements without incurring significant ineligibility penalties.