Medicare and other health insurance benefits DO NOT pay for long term care in a nursing home. Unfortunately, most people don\’t learn this until they are faced with this dilemma.
Medicare will pay for short term rehab in a nursing home under certain conditions. They might even pay for rehab care in a skilled nursing facility for up to 100 days. However, a person must meet a very specific criteria in order to utilize this benefit.
What\’s the truth about Medi-Cal?
Most people think that they can\’t have any assets before they qualify for Medi-Cal. Current laws allow a person to rearrange their assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal benefits as long as the laws are honored and the changes in assets are disclosed to Medi-Cal during the application process.
Most common misconceptions regarding qualifying for Medi-Cal:
* you must \”spend down\” to poverty level
* there\’s a limit on how much you can own and still qualify for benefits
* there\’s a limit on how much income you can have and still qualify
* the state will put a lien on your home without your knowledge
* the \”at home\” or \”healthy\” spouse can\’t work or have too much income
* if the \”at home\” or \”healthy\” spouse has too much income, then the \”share of cost\” will be higher
* all of the income received by the \”nursing home\” recipient will go towards \”share of cost\” and there will be no money for paying other medical expenses, or for the \”at home\” spouse
* it is illegal to plan ahead for Medi-Cal
* it is illegal to transfer assets between married spouses
* it is illegal to transfer assets and then apply for Medi-Cal benefits
* Medi-Cal is like welfare
* The 30 month \”look back\” is one of the most confusing issues regarding qualification for Medi-Cal benefits
All of these statements are inaccurate. We advise working with trained professionals so you don\’t needlessly deplete your loved one\’s financial assets without proper information and education.
Medi-Cal benefits are NOT automatic. You must properly arrange your assets prior to applying for Medi-Cal. You must also be prepared to disclose all financial transactions that have occurred in the last 30 months.
There is plenty that can be done to preserve the assets of the estate from depletion due to the expenses of a skilled nursing home. Our advice will aid you in navigating the maze of rules and stringent requirements.
Take advantage of our complimentary Medi-Cal phone counseling assessment and find out more. You can use our contact form, or call us at 530-671-3308.