If you are concerned about the future of an elderly loved one, you are not alone. As we watch our elderly loved ones age, we can’t help but be concerned about the care they will need and how to finance it. Health care in America is among the most costly in the world, with costs continuing to rise. As a result, the average American is unable to pay for a lengthy stay in a long-term care facility or for the costs of a serious, long-term illness. While we all hope that our elderly loved ones are … [Read more...] about Qualifying for Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal
Can Medi-Cal Take Your IRA?
Employer sponsored pension plans are all but a thing of the past. In addition, Social Security retirement benefits have not kept up with the cost of living. Consequently, many people now fund their own retirement through the use of tools such as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you are one of those people, and you are now faced with the need to qualify for Medi-Cal to help pay for the high cost of long-term care, you may be wondering if your IRA is at risk. To help you plan ahead, we … [Read more...] about Can Medi-Cal Take Your IRA?
Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
It can be heart wrenching to decide if a family member or friend you love can no longer safely live in their own home. It can be scary for that loved one to think about his or her care needs and possible new living environments. If you have concerns about a loved one , consider the following questions when determining care needs. If you need help, consult with an experienced and qualified estate and elder care attorney. Does your loved one have medical needs that require special … [Read more...] about Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
In every estate plan we prepare in our office, we include an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and a form that authorizes disclosure of medical information to designated individuals you have appointed to positions in your estate plan. This latter form is done to comply with the so-called HIPAA law. An advance health care directive is a legal document you use to provide guidance about what types of treatments you may want to receive in case of a future, unknown medical emergency. It also … [Read more...] about What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
What Is the Community Spouse Resource Allowance?
Despite the fact that you likely want to remain in your own home, the reality is that there may come a time when you need the type of care that can only be provided by a long-term care facility. If that time comes, you may need to turn to Medi-Cal for help paying your long-term care (LTC) bill. One of your concerns about turning to Medi-Cal for help may be the perceived impact relying on Medi-Cal will have on your spouse who plans to remain in the community. To alleviate those concerns, we will … [Read more...] about What Is the Community Spouse Resource Allowance?
Learn More about Medi-Cal Planning during Older Americans Month
If you are a senior yourself, or will be in the near future, the month of May should hold particular significance for you. Each May we celebrate Older Americans Month in the United States. This year, if you do not already have a Medi-Cal planning component in your estate plan, Older Americans Month is an excellent time to learn more about the benefits of Medi-Cal planning. The Historic Increase in the Older American Population Over the last several decades, the population of older Americans … [Read more...] about Learn More about Medi-Cal Planning during Older Americans Month
Will My Father Qualify for Medi-Cal?
In recent years, more and more adult children are taking on the role of caregiver to an aging parent in the United States. As the population of older Americans continues to increase, healthcare for seniors has become a hot topic as well. If you have a parent whose health is deteriorating, now is the time to start worrying about the high cost of long-term care (LTC), if you have not already done so. At an average cost of almost $10,000 a month in California, may seniors must rely on Medi-Cal to … [Read more...] about Will My Father Qualify for Medi-Cal?
Choosing a Nursing Home
Do you or a loved one need nursing home care? If so, you will likely want to make sure that your loved one becomes a resident in a home that fits his or her many needs. There are many features to take into consideration when choosing the best nursing home. Take a look at the following guide to help make the best choice. Choose a nursing home that isn’t too far away. You may want to be able to visit your loved one often. Choosing a nursing home that is relatively close to your home … [Read more...] about Choosing a Nursing Home
Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
Paying for long term care is a scary thing for most families. In California, the annual costs of a semi-private room (one roommate) is over $100,000 and a private room is even more. Double these numbers if spouses or partners need care at the same time and there are additional expenses as well. How to Pay for Long Term Care Private Pay Long Term Care Insurance Veterans Benefits Medicare Medi-Cal Private Pay Some folks can self insure because they can afford to private … [Read more...] about Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
There are Many Ways to Qualify for Medi-Cal to Pay for Long Term Care
Qualified and experienced elder law attorneys help those, who need long term care, qualify to have the care paid by Medi-Cal benefits. For both Medi-Cal, you need to financially (and medically) qualify. Here are 12 ways in which elder law attorneys help people qualify for financial assistance, if they are not immediately eligible. Consult with a qualified and experienced elder law attorney whose practice includes Medi-Cal long term care benefits to determine which strategies are best for … [Read more...] about There are Many Ways to Qualify for Medi-Cal to Pay for Long Term Care
