| One of the greatest fears of elderly Americans is | | | | For married couples, a Court Petition pursuant to |
| that they may require nursing home care. This | | | | California Probate Code Section 3100 is often a |
| not only means a great loss of personal | | | | valuable tool used to significantly increase the |
| autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. | | | | standard Medi-Cal eligibility limit, reduce or possibly |
| Depending on location and level of care, nursing | | | | eliminate the "share of cost" co-payment and to |
| homes cost between $35,000 and $150,000 per | | | | transfer all assets to the Medi-Cal beneficiary's |
| year. | | | | spouse thereby eliminating potential Medi-Cal |
| Most people end up paying for nursing home care | | | | recovery. |
| out of their savings until they run out. Then they | | | | For single individuals, numerous "conversion" |
| can qualify for Medi-Cal to pick up the cost. | | | | strategies (which turn otherwise countable assets |
| However, with careful planning, whether in | | | | into exempt asset categories) and "spend down" |
| advance or in response to an unanticipated need | | | | strategies are available to quickly qualify an |
| for care, you can protect your estate for your | | | | individual for Medi-Cal benefits. |
| spouse or children. | | | | Unfortunately, many people are misinformed |
| Proper California Medi-Cal planning covers the | | | | about the eligibility criteria Medi-Cal uses to |
| following three areas: | | | | determine eligibility. Such misinformation is likely |
| 1. Eligibility Planning - to qualify for Medi-Cal | | | | due to the ever changing and complicated |
| benefits; | | | | Medi-Cal regulations. Despite what you might have |
| 2. Income Planning - to reduce or potentially | | | | heard, you do not have to be destitute in order |
| eliminate a Medi-Cal beneficiary's monthly "share | | | | to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. With the guidance |
| of cost" co-payment; and | | | | of a knowledgeable elder law attorney it is |
| 3. Estate Recovery Planning - to potentially reduce | | | | possible to implement various planning techniques |
| or eliminate Medi-Cal recovery against the Medi-Cal | | | | in order to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. |
| beneficiary's estate. | | | | |