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Practice Areas

Elder Law

Elder Law
Protecting Assets from Medi-Cal
Protect Assets from Nursing Homes

Estate Planning

Estate Planning
Estate Planning for Children with Disabilities
Estate Planning for Domestic Partners
Conservatorships
Guardianships
Powers of Attorney
Healthcare Directives

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal Planning
Medi-Cal Eligibility
Medi-Cal Asset Protection
Medi-Cal FAQS

Trusts

Trusts
Trusts / Living Wills
Special Needs Trusts
What is Trust Administration?
Setting up a Trust

Probate

Probate
The Probate Process
What is Probate?
California Probate Attorney
Understanding Inheritance Law

Wills

Wills
Writing A Will
When a Loved One Dies Without a Will
LA Probate & Living Trust Attorney
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Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo Logo

Medi-Cal Planning Attorneys

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Los Angeles Medi-Cal Planning Attorney

Senior care in California can be expensive. In some instances, nursing homes can cost up to eleven thousand dollars a month. This might feel overwhelming. You may wonder how you’ll ever be able to afford long-term care.

Fortunately, California residents can plan ahead to receive Medi-Cal long-term care benefits. These Medi-Cal health plans cover the cost of a senior-living facility for the long-term. This includes board, food, and medical care.

What is a Medi-Cal plan?

Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid. It’s a health insurance plan providing free and low-cost health services. Medi-Cal long-term insurance exists for older individuals who may soon need to pay for a nursing home.

For many California residents Medi-Cal is a lifeline which makes long-term care affordable. But there are certain eligibility requirements you must meet. Because of this, the application process is lengthy.

Enlisting the help of an attorney who understands elder-law will help make the process as smooth as possible. Once our Los Angeles Medi-Cal planning lawyer at Alice A Salvo has determined your eligibility, we will carefully assist you throughout the application process.

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Am I Eligible for Medi-Cal Long Term Care?

Eligibility for Medi-Cal Lont-term care depends on multiple factors including age and marital status. There may be certain income and non-exempt asset restrictions that must be met to qualify.

However, you may be able to keep various exempt assets without affecting long-term care eligibility These include:

  • Your home
  • Household items
  • Personal effects
  • Some life insurance policies
  • Burial arrangements
  • Automobiles

What if I do not meet the requirements for Medi-Cal long-term care?

If you fail to meet the Medi-Cal long-term care eligibility requirements, our legal team at the Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo may help you file a petition to obtain a court order. This is beneficial for married couples that have a spouse in a nursing home.

This court order can transfer assets or income of the spouse in the nursing home to the other spouse. This transfer of assets may be enough to qualify the spouse in the skilled nursing facility with Medi-Cal. Learn more about how to protect your assets from Medi-Cal.

In every case, we work closely with you to tailor a plan suited to your unique needs. Please see our Q&A page for frequently asked questions and answers about Medi-Cal planning.

Begin Medi-Cal Planning Today

If you have questions about Medi-Cal long term care eligibility requirements or have been denied coverage, call us for help at 818-676-9572.

We are an experienced team of Los Angeles Medi-Cal planning lawyers. We will address your concerns and provide answers.

Our goal is to provide professional guidance to help you protect your loved one’s savings and real estate. We strive to eliminate the family burden of expensive long-term care costs.

If you or a loved one is considering applying for long-term care with Medi-Cal, contact us. We will help you get the protection and benefits you need. Please note, we cannot help if you already have an estate plan with a revocable trust.

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We Can Help with Effective Medi-Cal Planning Strategies

Our Los Angeles Medi-Cal planning attorney can provide you with effective planning strategies to help you qualify for Medi-Cal long-term benefits. This will reduce the cost of a skilled nursing facility down the line.

We are proud to offer a personalized service to help you understand income requirements and benefits of Medi-Cal. We will work to find affordable solutions that can help you and your family plan for the future.

Alice A Salvo can help you:

  • Qualify for government benefits to cover long-term care
  • Protect your assets to help pay for long-term care
  • Protect your home from liens
  • Create an estate plan that will protect your assets and provide for your spouse, children and heirs
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How do I Start Planning for Medi-Cal Long Term Care?

If you are a California resident who may need long-term care in the future, begin Medi-Cal planning sooner rather than later. The application process can be time-consuming. Starting early can help you avoid any major delays.

Understanding what determines your eligibility for Medi-Cal planning is a great place to start.

  • You may be eligible to become a Medi-Cal recipient if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are a California resident

You must be willing and able to provide any requested documentation to prove your eligibility

There is no specific monthly income limit for Medi-Cal long-term care, but it is expected most of your income will cover the cost of your long-term care facility.

Once you’ve determined you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you can begin researching participating senior-living facilities in your area.

Determining eligibility for Medi-Cal can be complex. We recommend contacting an elder-law attorney to help you and your loved one navigate the process smoothly.

Why Has My Medi-Cal Application Been Rejected?

As of January 1, 2024, your assets should not stop you from being eligible for Medi-Cal long-term care programs. Your immigration status should also not affect eligibility.

Contact us if your Medi-Cal application has been rejected. We may be able to help.

What is Covered by Medi-Cal Long-Term Care Plans?

Medi-Cal covers the cost of care at a nursing facility. Participants are eligible for nursing home care without delay. This includes:

  • Food and board
  • Assistance with daily living activities like bathing
  • Medication and medication management
  • Mental health counselling
  • Social activities

Items such as cosmetics and tobacco are not included as part of Medi-Cal’s insurance plans. Plan beneficiaries are eligible to receive a monthly stipend of $35 for other personal items.

Who Can Help Me with Medi-Cal Planning?

Alice A Salvo is a Los Angeles based attorney who can help you or your loved one navigate the process of Medi-Cal planning.

We warmly encourage you to contact us today.

FAQ: Medi-Cal Planning & Coverage

1. How does Medi-Cal work with estate planning?

Medi-Cal and estate planning go hand in hand, especially for long-term care. Proper planning can help you qualify for benefits while protecting assets like your home and savings. Strategies may include asset structuring, exemptions, and legal tools to reduce exposure to estate recovery after death.

2. How to apply for Medi-Cal without mistakes?

To avoid delays or denials, gather complete financial records, accurately report income and assets, and submit all required documentation. Because the process is detailed and time-sensitive, working with an experienced attorney can help ensure your application is accurate and complete.

3. Is Medi-Cal truly considered marketplace insurance?

No. Medi-Cal is not marketplace insurance—it is California’s Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost coverage based on income and eligibility, rather than private insurance plans purchased through the marketplace.

4. Is Medi-Cal good insurance for seniors in California?

Yes. Medi-Cal is often essential for seniors, especially for covering long-term care services like nursing home stays, including food, housing, and medical care, which can otherwise be extremely expensive.

5. Why is my Medi-Cal discontinued for long-term care?

Coverage may be discontinued due to missing documentation, changes in income, or eligibility issues. Even small errors can impact benefits, so reviewing your application and working with a legal professional can help resolve problems quickly.