Thinking about the possibility of needing long-term care in the future can be difficult, yet preparing for it is a vital part of safeguarding your health, your dignity, and your financial legacy. Without a carefully crafted long-term care (LTC) plan, you risk leaving your personal preferences unmet and your savings depleted. With that in mind, the Los Angeles attorneys at Schomer Law Group, APC explain why long-term care planning is essential in California.
The Likelihood of Requiring Long-Term Support
Many individuals underestimate the probability of requiring long-term assistance. Statistically, if you are currently 65 or older, there is nearly a 70 percent chance that you will need some level of support during your lifetime. While some may require short-term in-home assistance following an illness or injury, others may need ongoing care in assisted living or nursing home facilities. Approximately one in three older adults will eventually require nursing home care, while others may opt for in-home caregivers or assisted living arrangements depending on their health and lifestyle. In California, the cost of these services can be substantial. A private room in a skilled nursing facility may exceed $180,000 annually. Assisted living averages around $90,000 per year, and hiring a home health aide can cost about the same amount per year. These figures represent a growing burden for aging individuals and families who are not prepared in advance.
Medicare and Private Insurance Are Not Enough
A common misconception is that Medicare will pay for long-term care. In truth, Medicare only covers short-term skilled care under limited circumstances and does not extend to long-term custodial services. Most private health insurance plans offer no more than minimal coverage for these expenses unless you have purchased a dedicated LTC policy. As a result, individuals without appropriate planning often find themselves turning to Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, to help pay for ongoing care.
Qualifying for Medi-Cal Coverage
Medi-Cal offers critical assistance for long-term care, but it imposes strict eligibility standards. To qualify, you must meet income and asset limits. In 2025, an individual applying for Medi-Cal long-term care benefits must generally have countable assets of no more than $2,000. While California recently removed income caps for certain Medi-Cal programs, income levels may still impact the share of cost you must contribute to your care. For married couples, the spouse not receiving care (known as the community spouse) is permitted to retain a larger portion of the couple’s assets; however, the precise amount will depend on various factors and is subject to change. Failing to qualify may force you to spend down assets, leaving your estate vulnerable. Planning early can prevent this scenario. Legal tools such as irrevocable trusts, asset transfers done in accordance with Medi-Cal’s look-back rules, and other estate planning mechanisms can help you retain more of your assets while positioning yourself to meet eligibility criteria.
Retaining Control Over Your Future
Long-term care planning is not solely about money. It is also about your autonomy and quality of life. When you plan ahead, you get to choose where and how you receive care. You can identify preferred care providers, facilities, or alternative solutions that allow you to remain at home for as long as possible. In California, a wide array of services, ranging from adult day health care to home care assistance, can be integrated into your plan to support your independence. Sadly, elder mistreatment remains a concern, with research indicating that roughly one in ten seniors experiences abuse or neglect in care settings. By researching and selecting care providers early, you can reduce the risk of ending up in an unsuitable or dangerous environment. California’s Department of Health Care Services and Department of Social Services provide public access to licensed facilities and caregiver oversight, allowing families to make informed decisions well in advance.
Why Planning Now Is Important
Addressing long-term care needs before they arise gives you greater flexibility and more options. Once a serious illness or cognitive decline begins, it can be far more difficult to implement effective legal strategies. Early planning puts you in control of your care and protects the estate you have worked a lifetime to build. To preserve your health, dignity, and financial legacy, consult a California estate planning attorney with experience in long-term care and Medi-Cal planning.
Can We Help You with Long-Term Care Planning in California?
For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you would like help incorporating long-term care planning into your California estate plan, contact the experienced Los Angeles estate planning attorneys at Schomer Law Group APC by calling (310) 337-7696 to schedule an appointment.
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