Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help You Protect Your Family’s Assets via Medi-Cal planning?
The federal Medicaid program, along with several California state programs, comprise Medi-Cal, which provides funds for medical and nursing home care for almost one-third of Californians annually. Just several years ago, Medi-Cal served over 9 million state residents. Now, following the state’s adoption of the federal healthcare overhaul, Medi-Cal covers 12 million Californians and costs approximately $95 billion annually.
To control costs, Medi-Cal pays less for provided medical and nursing home services than providers would like to receive, and less than most insurance plans. Medi-Cal also saves money or has plans to save money by limiting enrollment to just several times a year and increasing eligibility requirements.
Because Medi-Cal officials are so focused on controlling costs, and because Medi-Cal eligibility requirements have become more complex and restrictive, many individuals and families who face serious medical problems do not sign up for Medi-Cal benefits or do so incorrectly and are improperly denied coverage.
Potential complications include:
• Providing required financial information;
• Assessing your income as it relates to income caps;
• Assisting with look-back periods;
• Working to minimize transfer penalties and waiting periods; and
• Completing your application.
OC Wills & Trust Attorneys, a division of The Law Offices of Brian Chew, PC, has provided estate planning legal services for more than 20 years. We help clients protect assets by assessing long-term care funding options, including Medicaid and Medi-Cal. Funds may be available to you or your family to pay for in-home or in-patient care. Our firm has the experience needed to help you navigate the options. To learn more, call (949)347-5256.
