There are so many misconceptions surrounding Medi-Cal with respect to financial gifts, that we thought we would address some of the more frequently asked questions: Q: “Is it true that under current Medi-Cal laws, a parent cannot make financial gifts to their children once they have entered the nursing home?” A: No. In fact, a proper gifting program is a great Medi-Cal planning technique. At the time an applicant applies for Medi-Cal, the state will “look back” 30 months to see … [Read more...] about Gifting Money to Your Children AFTER You’ve Entered a Nursing Home (An Elder Law Today Blog)
How Does Medicaid/Medi-Cal Apply to Married Couples?
Medicaid is a jointly administered federal/state government health insurance program. It is designed as a safety net that provides health care insurance for people who can demonstrate significant financial need. In the state of California, the program is called Medi-Cal. If you are going to qualify for Medicare when you reach the age of 65, you may initially wonder why Medi-Cal should be relevant to you when you are planning for the future. The reason why Medi-Cal is relevant to a significant … [Read more...] about How Does Medicaid/Medi-Cal Apply to Married Couples?
How Does Medi-Cal Treat My Home?
Before we look at the matter of Medi-Cal eligibility and home ownership, we should briefly explain why Medi-Cal is important to many seniors who were never financially needy. Medi-Cal is a need-based health insurance program that is intended for people with limited resources. In spite of this, a high percentage of elders ultimately seek Medi-Cal eligibility. This is because Medicare will not pay for long-term care. If you were to require assistance with your activities of daily living, this is … [Read more...] about How Does Medi-Cal Treat My Home?
Medi-Cal Planning: How to Care for a Child with Special Needs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Jim and Marie Anderson live in San Jose, California. They are now in their mid-70s and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. The Andersons have been blessed with three wonderful children. One is a nurse, one is a school teacher, and their youngest child, Joe, is not able to work. Joe is now in his late 40's and lives in a group home. He receives Social Security (SSI) of about $500 a month and his parents have always supplemented his income. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have lead a modest … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal Planning: How to Care for a Child with Special Needs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Will Medi-Cal Pay for In-Home Care?
When you are budgeting for the future, you should certainly set aside funds for your active retirement years. At the same time, there are additional expenses that you may encounter when you reach the twilight years. A significant percentage of senior citizens will need assistance with their activities of daily living. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 70 percent of people who are attaining senior citizen status will need help with their day-to-day needs … [Read more...] about Will Medi-Cal Pay for In-Home Care?
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Conservatorship in San Jose
When you are planning ahead for the future, you should prepare yourself for each stage of life. There are the active retirement years, and there are the twilight years that will inevitably follow. It may not be the most pleasant thing to consider, but you may become unable to handle all of your own day-to-day needs when you reach an advanced age. Incapacity is not uncommon among elders. The term "oldest old" is used to describe those who are at least 85 years of age. Around 40 percent of the … [Read more...] about Advantages and Disadvantages of a Conservatorship in San Jose
Power of Attorney vs. Conservatorship (An Elder Law Today Blog)
One of our readers recently contacted our office to ask if we had literature on the difference between a Durable General Power of Attorney and a Conservatorship. Due to the number of times our office has been asked that question, we chose to make it the topic of this month’s Elder Law Today. What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document where one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent) to act on the principal’s behalf. There are financial powers of attorney … [Read more...] about Power of Attorney vs. Conservatorship (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Is Medi-Cal Relevant to the Health-Conscious?
Everyone is aware of the fact that they should plan ahead for retirement. You typically envision retirement as a time when you can travel, engage in leisure activities, and spend quality time with your family. Since you will be qualified for Medicare as a senior citizen, you may never even think about Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is a need-based health insurance program that is jointly administered by the state government along with the federal government. If you have never had financial need, Medi-Cal … [Read more...] about Is Medi-Cal Relevant to the Health-Conscious?
What Is the Five-Year Medi-Cal Look-Back?
The Medi-Cal program is in place to provide a health care safety net for people with limited financial resources. Unlike Medicare, it is not specifically designed for senior citizens, but many senior citizens do qualify for Medi-Cal. This program is administered by the federal government along with each respective state government, so each state has some latitude with regard to how the program is administered. Our firm practices in the state of California. Here in California, the program is … [Read more...] about What Is the Five-Year Medi-Cal Look-Back?
A” Quiet” Change in Medicare (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law A “Quiet “change in Medicare is often one where physicians and health care providers are informed but not the general senior population. Susan Jaffe of the New York Times recently wrote about a change of which we believe seniors and all beneficiaries should be aware. Previously, a patient could be denied coverage for physical therapy and occupational therapy because … [Read more...] about A” Quiet” Change in Medicare (An Elder Law Today Blog)
