| Medi-Cal can assist families with paying the high | | | | The amount of assets and real property owned |
| cost of nursing home care. Although the program | | | | by a Medi-Cal applicant are also factored into the |
| helps to keep applicants from draining their | | | | qualification for benefits. Some assets are |
| savings, making a mistake in the application | | | | considered "exempt", and are not included in the |
| process can end up costing thousands of dollars in | | | | total. Other "countable" assets may be |
| benefit delays, lesser benefit amounts, or | | | | transferred out of the applicant's ownership. |
| complete disqualification from the program. | | | | There are situations where it makes sense to |
| Understanding Medi-Cal's application criteria can | | | | transfer assets, but the downside to incorrect |
| help avoid these delays and complications. With | | | | asset transfers can be detrimental and could |
| the many rules and regulations, it helps to have a | | | | cause ineligibility. |
| qualified attorney on your side who understands | | | | If an applicant qualifies for Medi-Cal benefits, when |
| how the Medi-Cal application process works and | | | | the benefit recipient passes away, the state will |
| can provide guidance based on your family's | | | | likely request back the money that Medi-Cal spent |
| specific situation. | | | | on the nursing home care. This process is known |
| One factor in Medi-Cal eligibility is an applicant's | | | | as estate recovery. The care recipient's family is |
| income. The calculation of countable income can | | | | usually forced to reimburse these funds from the |
| be complicated, depending on type of income | | | | sale of their loved one's home. |
| received, various expenses, and family situation. | | | | There are ways to protect the home and assets |
| For example, some "exempt" income may not | | | | from Medi-Cal ineligibility and estate recovery. |
| count in the overall calculation, and the money | | | | Working with an attorney who specializes in |
| paid for certain types of medical insurance may | | | | Medi-Cal issues prior to applying can help your |
| be deducted. And, if the applicant's income is over | | | | loved one obtain the maximum Medi-Cal benefits, |
| a set limit, he or she may still qualify for Medi-Cal, | | | | while still protecting the assets they have |
| but will likely also have to pay at least part of | | | | accumulated over their lifetime. |
| their nursing home costs. | | | | |