Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Understanding The Medi-Cal Planning Los Angeles Senior Citizens Are Entitled To

By Shirley Ellis


Senior citizens have many options when it comes to how they spend their sunset years. The most fortunate travel and pursue hobbies and interests they didn't have time for when they were busy working and raising a family. Those who are less fortunate may have to pinch pennies and find ways to reduce their expenses in order to make ends meet on Social Security. Either way, there are some things these different individuals have in common. They may find themselves in difficult health situations that require Medi-Cal planning Los Angeles residents have referred them to.

Long term care decisions are not always pleasant to think about, but a debilitating illness can occur to anyone. Wise senior citizens go ahead and take steps to ensure they will be able to get skilled health care for an extended period if it becomes necessary. Preparing wills, advance care directives, and letting family members know where to find important papers are crucial first steps.

Planning for the time when you may have to enter a nursing home facility is not pleasant for many, but it can occur. If and when it does, you want to be in a position to keep as many of your assets intact for yourself, your spouse and future generations. Without advance strategies in place, you can find yourself without anything of value because the cost of your health care in a skilled facility has wiped everything out.

Medi-Cal is one of the options you have if you are a California resident. Most people mistakenly presume this kind of government assistance is only for the neediest citizens, but that is incorrect. Even those with substantial assets can qualify if you have someone on your side who has the knowledge and expertise to wade through the state's changing rules and regulations. This is probably not something you can tackle on your own.

If you are married, you and your spouse can currently retain ownership of your home and have over one hundred thousand dollars in cash and still qualify for state benefits. The unaffected spouse can make an unlimited amount of money each month, and the affected spouse will still be able to get financial consideration.

If you are single, you can keep your house, car, and a few thousand dollars in cash and still be eligible. For those with more assets than the program allows, the services of a good attorney will be necessary to figure out to retain those assets and still qualify for assistance.

The state of California is currently trying to change the rules about how they can recover money paid out in Medi-cal after a person dies. They can go after the deceased's estate unless assets have been transferred out of their name before that happens. Once again, you and your family will need a good lawyer to help you make the necessary plans to avoid the state suing for recovery.

Hopefully you will be healthy and active until the day you die. Advance planning for a different outcome however can make the difference between leaving a financial legacy or dying with very little to pass on to your heirs.




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