• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • About Our Firm
    • Attorney and Staff Profiles
    • Scott P. Schomer Certified As Specialist In Estate Planning, Trust And Probate Law
    • Trust and Probate Litigation: Verdicts and Settlements
  • Services
    • Estate Planning
    • Probate
    • Trust Administration
    • Trust, Probate and Estate Litigation
    • Family-Owned Businesses
    • IRA & Retirement Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Loss of a Loved One
    • Power of Attorney
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Asset Protection & Business Planning
    • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
    • Young Families
  • Probate
    • Is Probate Always Necessary In California?
    • Probate & Estate Planning Savings Calculator
    • Probate Administration
    • Probate Code 850 Petitions
    • Probate Disputes
    • Probate In California
    • Probate Laws
    • Probate Litigation
    • Why Hire A Probate Attorney
  • Elder Law
    • Conservatorship
    • Coping with Alzheimer’s
    • Estate Planning
  • Resources
    • Elder Law
      • Elder Law & Medi-Cal Definitions
      • Elder Law Reports
    • Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning Articles
      • Estate Planning Checkup
      • Estate Planning Definitions
      • Estate Planning Reports
        • Advanced Estate Planning
        • Basic Estate Planning
        • Estate Planning for Niches
        • Trust Administration
      • Incapacity Planning Definitions
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Special Needs Planning Can Protect Benefits
      • Top 10 Estate and Legacy Planning Techniques
    • Free Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Free Seminars
      • Webinars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Advance Health Care Directives
      • Asset Protection
      • California Adult Conservatorship
      • Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning & Remarriage
      • Frequently Asked Questions For Families Without An Estate Plan
      • In-Home Elder Care
      • IRA Inheritance Planning
      • IRA & SECURE Act
      • Irrevocable Trust
      • Last Will and Testament
      • Legacy Wealth Planning
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning
      • Living Trust
      • Probate
      • Special Needs Planning
      • Trusts
      • Trust Administration
      • Wills
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Presentations
    • Published Book
    • Trust Administration & Probate Resources
      • Bereavement Resources
      • How to Know if You Need Extra Help With Your Grieving
      • Loss of a Loved One
      • The Mourner’s Bill of Rights
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Trust
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Will
      • Trust Administration & Probate Definitions
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Communities We Serve
    • Los Angeles County
      • Bellflower
      • Cerritos
      • El Segundo
        • El Segundo Probate Resources
      • Hawthorne
      • Inglewood
      • Long Beach
        • Long Beach Elder Resources
        • Long Beach Probate Resources
      • Manhattan Beach
      • Playa del Rey
      • Santa Monica
      • Westchester
        • Westchester Elder Resources
        • Westchester Probate Resources
    • Orange County
      • Anaheim
      • Buena Park
      • Cypress
      • Fountain Valley
      • Garden Grove
      • Huntington Beach
        • Huntington Beach Elder Resources
        • Huntington Beach Probate Resources
      • Los Alamitos
        • Los Alamitos Probate Resources
      • Rossmoor
      • Stanton
      • Seal Beach
      • Westminster
  • Contact Us
  • BLOG
  • Videos

Schomer Law Group, Los Angeles Estate Planning and Elder Law and Elder Law Attorneys

Schomer Law Group, Los Angeles Estate Planning and Elder Law and Elder Law Attorneys

Connect With Us Today (310) 337-7696

Attend a Free Event
Home » Medi-Cal Planning » Why Medi-Cal Planning Helps Prepare for Nursing Home Care

Why Medi-Cal Planning Helps Prepare for Nursing Home Care

August 20, 2018Medi-Cal Planning

Medi-Cal planningThe 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 care.

The cost of nursing home care can be expensive

A common mistake many clients make is underestimating the potential costs of long-term care.  In California, the average annual cost for long-term care is close to $100,000. Considering the fact that nearly half of all California citizens age 65 and older will need long-term care for approximately five years, paying for this medical necessity will be overwhelming to most families.  Typically, Medicare and private health insurance are insufficient to cover the costs of long-term care.

Nursing home violations can cause many problems

The reality is, many nursing homes have instituted operating procedures that are in violation of certain laws, and are often harmful to their residents.  Many of these problems are not obvious legal issues that come to the attention of regulating authorities. For this reason, consumers need to know what their rights are, under the law, so they can be better able to ensure they receive the best care available.

California’s Medi-Cal program

Medicaid and nursing homes are connected financially.  Nursing homes rely to a large extent on reimbursement from Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income individuals. Most long-term care facilities in California are Medi-Cal certified, which means they accept reimbursement from the State’s program. In fact, nearly two-thirds of all nursing home residents in California have all, or at least a portion, of their costs paid for by Medi-Cal.

Medicaid discrimination is a common issue

However, the reality is, patients receiving Medi-Cal benefits are often not treated as well because Medi-Cal pays lower rates than most other sources of reimbursement.  This is a form of discrimination.  According to some experts, Medi-Cal patients are more likely to receive very low-level custodial care.  Some nursing homes also attempt to refuse certain types of service, such as rehabilitative services.  However, if a facility is Medi-Cal certified, and the care is medically necessary, then the nursing home is required to provide those services.

Poor long-term care planning is another common issue

Under the law, nursing homes are required to develop comprehensive care plans for each and every patient, within seven days after a full assessment of that patient has been completed. Another common issue arises when families are not allowed to be involved in that care plan, or the plan is not followed by the nursing home staff.  Furthermore, the care plan must be reviewed every three months, so it can be modified if necessary. This does not always happen, which means an inadequate care plan may be in place.

Refusing to readmit Medicaid patients after hospitalization

It is very common for nursing home patients to be temporarily hospitalized for treatment.  Medi-Cal funded nursing homes are required to hold those patients beds for seven days, during which time the nursing come will continue to be paid by Medi-Cal.  However, in many cases, the nursing home will refuse to allow the patient to return, hoping that a higher-paying patient will take their place.  For example, a nursing home would prefer to serve a Medicare rehab patient, for which they may be paid as much as $600 a day, compared to an average of $186 a day from Medi-Cal.  If you find yourself in this situation, contact your Medicaid attorney for assistance.  In order to get the care you deserve, you should know your rights, and you must speak up.

How is Medi-Cal planning beneficial?

The purpose of Medicaid benefits is to help low-income individuals pay for medical treatment and services.  Because Medicaid is a needs-based benefits program, you must have no more than $2,000 in assets to be eligible.  Even though certain assets such as your home are excluded from your countable assets, it is still not that difficult to exhaust your savings before Medicaid will start to cover your long-term care expenses.  However, the goal of Medi-Cal planning is to keep you from exhausting all of your resources, while still being eligible for benefits.

Join us for a free seminar today! If you have questions regarding estate planning, trust contests, or any other trust administration issues, please contact the Schomer Law Group either online or by calling us in Los Angeles at (310) 337-7696, and in Orange County at (562) 346-3209.

#estateplanning, #schomerlawgroup, #Medi-CalPlanning

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Scott Schomer, Estate Planning Attorney
Scott Schomer, Estate Planning Attorney
A graduate of Boston University School of Law, Scott P. Schomer is a frequent lecturer on estate planning and elder law issues, having discussed these important issues on local and national television. A seasoned courtroom advocate, Scott has obtained combined judgments and verdicts in excess of twenty-five million dollars for his clients. Scott has served as a member of the Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Volunteer Panel (PVP Attorney), Probate Settlement Panel and a Judge Pro Tempore. Scott's expertise has been recognized by his peers with such accolades as a life-time membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the Five Star Wealth Manager designation, and repeated nominations as California Super Lawyer.
Scott Schomer, Estate Planning Attorney
Latest posts by Scott Schomer, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)
  • Things You May Need to Update in Your Estate Plan When You Enter Retirement - March 22, 2023
  • 10 Estate Planning Tips You Cannot Afford to Ignore - March 21, 2023
  • 7 Estate Planning Steps for the Beginner - March 16, 2023

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Los Angeles Medicaid planning attorney
Understanding the California Medi-Cal Transfer Penalty Rules
Los Angeles Medi-Cal planning attorneys
Why Is It Important to Plan for Long-Term Care?
Medi-Cal
Top 5 Medi-Cal Myths
Los Angeles Medicaid planning attorney
Can Relying on Medicaid Threaten My Estate Assets After I Die?
Long Beach Medi-Cal planning attorneys
What is Medi-Cal Fraud and How Can You Avoid It?
Orange County Medi-Cal planning attorneys
I’m Young and Healthy. Why do I Need Medi-Cal Planning?

Primary Sidebar

Schomer Law Group, Los Angeles Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law Attorneys

Schomer Law Group

FREE Estate Planning Worksheet

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.

Testimonials

Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

We need to update our Living Trust and attended Schomer Law Group’s seminar. Afterwards we made an appointment and were impressed by the attention Scott Schomer and Liran Aliav gave to our case answering all questions and making suggestions how to minimize the estate tax. All the office staff is very friendly and we highly recommend Schomer Law Group.

Frank & Jutta R
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

Mr. Schomer does an amazing job at explaining all the intricacies of establishing a trust. He and his team help you every step of the way so you always know what to expect and what you are preparing for. Best education you can get and the best gift you can give your family.

Paula M.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

We put off getting a trust for years. After attending a seminar with Scott Schomer we realized that the time had come to get a trust. We were given very good reasons for why we should get a trust. No pressure, just the plain facts. We are very relieved and happy to finally get our trust. Scott and Cesar were very knowledgeable, helpful and listened to our ideas of what we had to say. Any questions that we have now and in the future they are available to assist us to solve them. I recommend the Schomer Law Group and I wish we knew about them years ago.

Phillip G.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

When you’re presented with an invitation to attend in a mailer, you may have reservations, this was a truly gift!! My wife and I were educated and guided through the process of creating a family trust.
Both of our parents had attorney’s that “worked” with wills/trusts, but came up short. Fortunately, the Schomer Law Group was there! This is a group of attorney’s that only specialize in estate planning, law, and financial advice, so you know you’re getting expert and personalized advice. This is the best money we’ve ever spent!! Thank you!

Bob L.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

We knew we had to update our 10 year old ( 20 page ) trust. After several detailed meetings, Liran and Cesar produced a large ( 300 pages + ) highly detailed trust document that we have used to make sure our family estate is well managed and clearly understood.
They were all very helpful in answering myriad questions and explaining all the various options…

We would strongly recommend the Schomer Law Group to anyone with an estate of even modest means, to assure proper planning…

Bob S.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

We had contemplated updating our will and starting a trust for a number of years. After attending a talk by Scott Schomer we realized we were long overdue and the potential downside of not having our affairs in order was significant. Scott and his excellent team made the process simple and seamless. They were great listeners, addressed all our concerns and even pulled and processed all the paperwork from our financial institutions. If you are looking for assistance with estate planning, wills and trusts, we highly recommend Schomer Law Group.

Robert F.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

Very competent & informative – friendly atmosphere – ready to answer the most mundane questions – relaxed.

Joan S.
Client Review
July 29, 2020
    

Mr. Schomer was excellent in getting our family trust and estate affairs in order. My husband and I had put off doing this and Scott really made the process easy! He is very passionate in making sure his clients get all that they need and we really appreciated it. I would highly recommend him and look forward to the many years he will be available to assist our family.

Kim

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Subscribe To Our Blog

Sign up using the form below to get our latest estate planning updates!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Office Address

El Segundo
2155 Campus Drive
Suite 250,
El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: (310) 337-7696
Fax: 310-337-1277

See Larger Map Get Directions

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Footer

  • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
  • About The American Academy
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Schomer Law Group

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

footer-logo
© 2023 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.

Schomer Law Group

Attorney Advertisement.

© 2023 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.