Medi-Cal allows California residents to access free or low-cost health coverage. Thus, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you should consider applying for it. However, you need to be informed to have a smooth experience.
The following are two crucial things to know about Medi-Cal:
1. You can protect your assets more than you realize.
Some people avoid applying for Medi-Cal because of what they have heard about its recovery process. However, Medi-Cal has a reliable repayment system, which you should learn about before becoming a member.
Medi-Cal will only try to recover its cost when you die over the age of 55 years or when you are admitted into an institution, such as a nursing home. The department may not seek payment from you when you are alive or from your surviving spouse, a child under 21 years of age or a disabled child.
Essentially, if you are under 55, you can sign up for Medi-Cal without worrying about your assets unless you are institutionalized. If you are above 55, the department will be paid from your assets when you die. They won’t collect more than the value of your assets or what they paid on your behalf.
Therefore, you don’t need to worry about your loved ones losing their inheritance. The department will take calculated steps to recover payments without disadvantaging your estate’s beneficiaries.
2. You can apply for benefits at any time.
Medi-Cal application has no deadline. You can apply at any time of the year. Thus, do not miss out on this coverage, believing you may have delayed applying. When your coverage will begin can vary according to your case.
Understanding these two concepts can help you make the right moves when enrolling for Medi- Cal. It will also help to get legal guidance to obtain more information about the coverage.