If you are considering applying for Medi-Cal benefits, there are important eligibilty requirements that you must be aware of.  One important eligibility issue is known as the “five-year look-back period.”  This penalty period applies when an applicant is seeking long-term care benefits through Medi-Cal and makes asset transfers during that period. This article will explain a few ways our Orange County Medi-Cal planning attorneys can help you prove that your asset transfers are not subject to the … [Read more...]

Medi-Cal is a “payer of last resort” which means that all other sources of payment for an applicant’s medical care, must be exhausted before Medi-Cal will begin to pay for long-term care expenses.  If you give away any of your property or assets shortly before applying, you may be ineligible for long-term care benefits for a five-year period after your application is accepted.  In determining whether this penalty period applies to you, the Medicaid agency will scrutinize any transfers you made … [Read more...]

Through years of experience, our Orange County Medi-Cal planning lawyers have learned that families should seriously consider planning for the potential need for hospice care. Hospice care is a type of health care service that focuses on caring for individuals instead of curing medical illness, as well as providing end-of-life care. The majority of hospice care takes place in the patient's home. It is not uncommon for friends and family of a hospice patient to serve as the primary caregivers.  … [Read more...]

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that the rate of hospitalization in nursing homes is steadily rising. According to some statistics, one-fourth of long-term nursing home patients require hospitalization every year and one-fifth of nursing home patients receiving Medicare benefits return to the hospital within 30-days of being released. This “boomerang” effect of repeated hospitalization and nursing home readmissions is a problem. Our Long Beach nursing home lawyer can … [Read more...]

You may not be aware, but the number of people who are required to pay for their own long-term care when the time comes has been steadily increasing over the years. Ten years ago, a study was conducted and the result published showing that seniors, individuals with disabilities and the families of these individuals pay close to thirty percent of the cost of long-term care from their own pockets. This was at least a ten percent increase from the last study. Considering these shocking numbers, … [Read more...]

As Orange County Medi-Cal lawyers, we recognize how fortunate our senior clients are to be healthy. But we encourage you to not overlook the need to still create a Medi-Cal plan. Simply being healthy right now doesn’t mean you will never have the need for long-term care as you get older. You may not have health issues right now, but who can predict how healthy you will be in 50 years?Unexpected illness or injury can strike at any timeOur Orange County Medi-Cal lawyers also want to remind you … [Read more...]

The need for long-term care can come, not only from illness but also from a catastrophic injury. That's why the potential need for Medicaid cannot be overlooked by anyone.  In some situations, the need for assistance with daily activities may lead to long-term care needs, as well.  Because health insurance does not always adequately cover the cost of long-term care, Medi-Cal benefits may be necessary. Let our attorneys explain why Medi-Cal planning can help you prepare for nursing home … [Read more...]

In simple terms, Medicaid is a need-based medical assistance program. As such, eligibility is based entirely on income and financial need, regardless of age.  The cost of health coverage is paid with federal, state and local tax funds.  Patients with Medicaid normally pay a small co-pay, if anything at all.  Because Medicaid is run by each state, the benefits and eligibility requirements are different from state to state. When it comes to Orange County Medi-Cal planning, you need experienced … [Read more...]

When it’s time to consider Medi-Cal Planning in California and the potential need for benefits, you may be confused about the differences between Medi-Cal and Medicare.  Our Medi-Cal planning attorneys can explain the differences and advise you on which type of benefits you need and which type of benefits you maybe be eligible for.California's Medi-Cal ProgramCalifornia’s Medicaid program is known as Medi-Cal. This comprehensive program provides free or low-cost health coverage to California … [Read more...]

Contrary to what many people believe, a living will that includes vague language is not as effective as a healthcare directive as one that is very detailed.  The instructions you include should be a specific as possible in order to avoid confusion later on.  Unclear language leads to confusion and ultimately conflicting interpretations.  A common example is when people say "no heroic measures," they may intend that to mean no artificial nutrition and hydration.  Yet, their physicians may not … [Read more...]