Medi-Cal planning is one of those things that most Californians don’t realize that they need until it’s almost too late. For those unfamiliar with it, Medi-Cal is the California version of the Medicaid program – that joint federal and state program that provides healthcare insurance for low-income Americans. It is one of two government healthcare coverage systems in the United States, and – along with Medicare – provides affordable insurance for millions around the country.
Medicare has always had its drawbacks when it comes to senior care. For while it does a wonderful job of providing for seniors’ most basic health care insurance needs, it offers little help for long-term care. Medi-Cal, however, can provide seniors with the coverage they need to address the high costs associated with long-term care. And while Medicare provides only short-term coverage in certain instances, Medi-Cal will pay for care for the duration of the patient’s need.
However, there’s a problem that many seniors face. As helpful as the Medi-Cal program can be for seniors who need financial assistance for nursing home care, applying for benefits can be difficult.
The Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law can help seniors with Medi-Cal planning, Medi-Cal applications and redeterminations, and can help seniors create a unique plan to address their needs. If you’d like to receive your free Medi-Cal consultation, call (408) 356-9200 in Campbell today. We’ll be happy to help answer your questions, including:
- Why is Medi-Cal so vital?
- When is the right time for me to start Medi-Cal planning?
- How can a California Medi-Cal planning attorney help me?
Why Is Medi-Cal So Vital?
Nursing home costs have skyrocketed in recent decades. Nationwide, the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is $127,750 (the average cost for a private room in San Jose, California is $226,665 per year according to the Genworth/Care Scout 2024 Long Term Care Costs Financial Survey). Seniors seldom have the means to pay for this care on their own, especially if they anticipate a stay lasting more than a few months. Seniors who used their own assets to pay for care would routinely find themselves impoverished in short order, reliant on government benefits for their survival, and left with no financial legacy to leave for their loved ones.
San Jose Medi-Cal Planning Attorneys can give you the guidance and assistance to avoid the complications that can arise when long term care is needed, while ensuring that you receive the benefits that you need to cover the cost of long-term care.
When Is the Right Time for Me to Start Medi-Cal Planning?
Planning for incapacity before you need to apply for Medi-Cal is vital. A comprehensive estate plan that includes a statutory power of attorney with specific Medi-Cal language is essential. This language will allow the person you choose to apply for Medi-Cal on your behalf if you are incapacitated and unable to apply on your own. Having a comprehensive living trust estate plan is also a key element of a sound Medi-Cal plan because if you hold assets in a living trust, they are not subject to the Medi-Cal recovery lien. An experienced California Medi-Cal planning attorney can help you to secure your future benefits while protecting your assets from nursing home costs.
How Can a California Medi-Cal Planning Attorney Help Me?
At the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law, we understand how difficult it can be for many seniors to qualify for the Medi-Cal benefits they need. That’s why we work closely with you to evaluate your situation, and devise the best strategy to protect your assets even as we help you meet those strict income guidelines. We also have a geriatric care manager on our team who is a Medi-Cal specialist. Nursing home costs are rising, and there’s no time like the present to begin your effort to prepare for Medi-Cal eligibility. To get the Medi-Cal consultation you need, contact us through this website or give us a call at (408) 356-9200 in Campbell today. We also invite you to register for an upcoming Medi-Cal Planning Workshop by clicking here.
