An important step you can take in life is putting together a plan for Medi-Cal and overall elder law planning. It’s understandable that you don’t want to discuss the not-so-distant future and the inevitable. But, the longer you put it off, the more likely it is that you will make it difficult on your family should die without a will or estate plan in place.
The compassionate team at Jennifer N.K. Venable can answer all of your questions and walk you through the legal process of Medi-Cal and elder law planning in your state. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our firm. Planning now removes a lot of worry and stress from your family in what is a very difficult situation upon your death.
What is Medi-Cal Planning?
Medi-Cal planning is a vital part of preparing for your golden years. Medi-Cal is a complex system that changes often, especially when it comes to eligibility. That’s a big reason why you should consult with an attorney when building a Medi-Cal plan for you and your spouse. The application process is involved and lengthy. Being denied Medi-Cal can be devastating for your health, finances, and overall well-being.
Medi-Cal planning involves a mix of the following:
- Structuring of financial resources
- Preparing documents
- Managing assets transfers
- Creating trusts
- Preserving the resources of your family
- Ensuring eligibility
- Converting countable assets into exempt assets
What Situations Require Medi-Cal Planning?
There are certain situations that require Medi-Cal planning and they include the following:
- If both spouses in a marriage require care
- When just one spouse requires care
- If you are a single person with no assets or income (health doesn’t matter)
- A healthy couple building a long-term plan
Why is Medi-Cal Planning Important?
Medi-Cal planning is important because it prevents a family’s assets from being wiped out by the care a person receives. For example, it can cost close to $10,000 per month for a loved one to live in a skilled nursing facility. This means that if you fail to plan for what might come later in life, your life savings could be wiped out in a matter of months if you need to move into a skilled nursing facility.
Medi-Cal is provided for those who have low incomes. This is where the planning part comes into play and why many have wondered if it is a legal procedure. Families will sell off or give away assets in order to set a loved one up for Medi-Cal coverage. Medi-Cal planning is legal in all 50 states. It’s an important piece of estate planning that should be taken into consideration.
What Does Medi-Cal Pay For?
Medi-Cal requires states to provide the following under Federal law:
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- EPSDT: Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Nursing Facility Services
- Home health services
- Physician services
- Rural health clinic services
- Federally qualified health center services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Family planning services
- Nurse midwife services
- Certified pediatric and nurse practitioner services
- Freestanding birth center services (when licensed or otherwise recognized by the state)
- Transportation to medical care
- Tobacco cessation counseling for pregnant women
Optional services that Medi-Cal can provide include the following:
- Prescription drugs
- Clinic services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech, hearing and language disorder services
- Respiratory care services
- Other diagnostic, screening and rehabilitative services
- Podiatry services
- Optometry services
- Medi-Cal dental coverage
- Dentures
- Prosthetics
- Eyeglasses
- Chiropractic services
- Other practitioner services
- Private duty nursing services
- Personal care
- Hospice
- Case management
- State Plan Home and Community Based Services – 1915 (i)
- Self-directed Personal Assistance Services – 1915 (j)
- Community First Choice Option – 1915 (k)
- TB Related services
- Inpatient psychiatric services for individuals under age 21
- Health Homes for Enrollees with Chronic Conditions – Section 1945
Speak with a Medi-Cal and Elder Law Attorney Today
The need to plan for your golden years is important now more than ever. Having a plan in place for how you will pay for medical care should you need it later in life will make it easier for you, your spouse, and your family. Contact the compassionate and experienced team at Jennifer N.K. Venable today to schedule a consultation. You can start the Medi-Cal planning process whenever you choose. It can even be activated retroactively if the situation applies.
