Long-term care can be costly, and it’s not an expense that’s covered by Medicare. Some California residents need to apply for Medi-Cal to help cover the cost of this care, and they may encounter the term “lookback period” when they do. The lookback period is the...
Medi-Cal and Long Term Care Planning
Can an irrevocable trust help you qualify for Medi-Cal?
While you no longer must meet strict income and asset requirements to qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, you should still consider a proper planning strategy for long-term care. An irrevocable trust can be a valuable tool in helping you achieve this...
Can Medi-Cal take your home, and can a will prevent that from happening?
Medicaid is a need-based government insurance program. Some funding and regulations come from the federal government, but the programs operate on a state-by-state basis. The California Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, provides health insurance coverage for vulnerable...
Understanding the look-back period for Medi-Cal
California’s Medicaid program, commonly referred to as Medi-Cal, provides essential healthcare coverage for low-income families and individuals. However, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for this program. The look-back period is a crucial...
What are essential health benefits?
The Medi-Cal program provides benefits to those who are eligible, focusing on providing low-cost health coverage or free coverage. Essentially, this is a way for those in difficult financial situations – such as those in low-income households or pregnant women who...
Medi-Cal protections are expanding in 2024
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...
Does Medi-Cal only cover skilled nursing care?
Many older adults have strong feelings about nursing homes. They may feel that they will be placed there and forgotten. However, they may be at a point where it’s no longer safe for them to be home by themselves. It places a significant burden on the “sandwich...
Are all assets counted when seeking Medi-Cal for long-term care?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program that helps elders and low-income families with their healthcare needs. Many people avoid applying for Medi-Cal, believing they have too many assets to qualify for benefits. While it is true that your assets and possessions...
Do Medi-Cal recipients need to pay back their benefits?
Most working adults can qualify for Medicare when they are ready to retire because they have contributed to the program through payroll taxes. But sadly, Medicare doesn't provide comprehensive medical coverage that will fully pay for the support people require as they...
Do you need to renew your Medi-Cal coverage?
Your local Medi-Cal office will review your eligibility yearly or when you report changes to your household. Therefore, you need to renew your coverage to keep your health benefits. Here is what you should know about this matter: Renew your coverage each year With...