There are a host of reasons that California residents who are concerned about getting the care and services that they’ll likely need later in life may benefit from engaging in Medi-Cal planning. Making this effort proactively, for example, can help individuals to safeguard the value of their personal assets without compromising their ability to access necessary benefits.
In 2024, Medi-Cal benefit eligibility is expanding to an underserved community that plays a vital role in California’s economy: undocumented adults who have not yet been extended these protections. While California has previously allowed very young adults (age 19-26) and older adults (age 50 and over) to access these benefits when other eligibility criteria are met, protections will extend to adults in their “prime working years” (age 26-49) starting next year.
It’s time to get planning
As a result of this benefits expansion, it’s important for many undocumented adults to engage in Medi-Cal planning, as they’ve not previously been in a position to safeguard their interests in this way. Timely Medi-Cal enrollment is crucial. Missing the initial enrollment period can result in delayed coverage and lifetime penalties. By planning ahead, those who are newly eligible for these benefits can help to ensure uninterrupted health coverage and avoid unnecessary costs.
Additional planning for future healthcare costs can help to minimize a strain on retirement savings. By incorporating Medi-Cal planning into a broader financial strategy, eligible adults can better anticipate out-of-pocket expenses and safeguard the value of their assets from a risk of collection activity and from an increase in value affecting their ongoing access to benefits.
Once someone is eligible to access Medi-cal, planning accordingly can serve as more than just a bureaucratic task, it can serve a strategic move to secure quality healthcare and financial stability for citizens, documented residents and undocumented residents alike.