The length of the waiting period is determined by dividing the amount of your excess assets by the average monthly cost of LTC in your area. For example, if you transferred an asset valued at $200,000, your assets exceed the limit by $198,000. If the average monthly cost of LTC in your area is $10,000, you would divide $198,000 by $10,000 which gives you a waiting period of 19 months (19.8 rounded down). During the waiting period, you will be expected to rely on your own assets to cover your LTC … [Read more...] about How long will the waiting period be if one is imposed?
If I know my assets will exceed the limit, can’t I just gift them to someone before I apply?
Because people regularly took advantage of this loophole, the Medicaid program implemented a “look-back” period. In most states, the look-back period is 60 months; however, California currently imposes a 30 months look-back period. The look-back rule allows Medicaid to review your finances for the designated period leading up to your application. Any asset transfers made during that time period for less than fair market value may trigger an eligibility waiting period. … [Read more...] about If I know my assets will exceed the limit, can’t I just gift them to someone before I apply?
What happens if my assets exceed the limit?
If your assets do exceed the limit, your application for Medi-Cal will be denied. At that point you will have to “spend-down” your excess assets. In essence, you will have to use your assets to cover your LTC bills until your assets are depleted enough to qualify. Your retirement nest egg you spend a lifetime accumulating could be gone in a matter of months. … [Read more...] about What happens if my assets exceed the limit?
Do all my assets count when determining my eligibility for Medi-Cal?
When determining your eligibility, only non-exempt assets are considered. Examples of exempt assets include: - Your primary residence - Household goods and furnishings - One vehicle - Term life insurance - Burial plot … [Read more...] about Do all my assets count when determining my eligibility for Medi-Cal?
How do I qualify for Medi-Cal?
Along with basic requirements, such as citizenship and residency, your eligibility for Medi-Cal is determined, in part, by the income and asset limits imposed by the program. The income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level, or FPL. The FPL, in turn, changes each year and is determined by your household size and geographic area. The “countable resources” limit refers to the value of your non-exempt assets. In most states the countable resources threshold is only $2,000 for an individual, … [Read more...] about How do I qualify for Medi-Cal?
Why would I need to include Medi-Cal planning in my estate plan if I have never before needed Medi-Cal?
Many people go through their entire working years without ever needing to turn to Medi-Cal for help with their healthcare expenses; however, as a senior, the likelihood that you will need long-term care (LTC) goes up every year and the cost of that care is exorbitant. As of 2019, you can expect to pay almost $10,000 a month, on average, if you are a California resident. Because neither Medicare nor private health insurance will cover LTC expenses, as a general rule, over half of all seniors in … [Read more...] about Why would I need to include Medi-Cal planning in my estate plan if I have never before needed Medi-Cal?
What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
People often confuse Medicaid and Medicare and/or use the two names interchangeably. Although both offer healthcare benefits, they are two very different programs. Like Medicaid, Medicare is funded by the U.S. government but is also administered by the federal government. Medicare is an entitlement program, meaning that as long as you paid into the program during your working years, you are automatically entitled to benefits when you turn 65. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a “needs based” … [Read more...] about What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
What is Medicaid and Medi-Cal?
Medicaid is a healthcare program that is predominantly funded by the United States federal government; however, the individual states have the option to supplement funding and expand on the coverage mandated by the federal government. Medicaid is also administered by the individual states, meaning the eligibility guidelines and benefits offered will differ somewhat from one state to another. California’s Medicaid program is known as Medi-Cal. Basic Medicaid typically covers things such as: - … [Read more...] about What is Medicaid and Medi-Cal?
What is a family foundation?
Creating a family foundation is yet another way to include charitable gifting in your estate plan. This option, however, if best used when you have considerable assets to gift and the time to run the foundation once it is established. The benefits of using a foundation as your charitable gifting vehicle are numerous though, starting with the amount of control you will retain over how your gifts are used. In addition, creating a charitable foundation makes it much easier to involve your children … [Read more...] about What is a family foundation?
Should I use a donor advised fund for my philanthropy?
Another option for making charitable gifts within your estate plan is to use a donor advised fund or annuity. A donor advised fund works by first transferring gifted assets into the fund. Although you will no longer own the assets, you will be able to direct how the funds are used. If you gift to an annuity, you will also be able to choose the beneficiary who will receive the benefits from the annuity. … [Read more...] about Should I use a donor advised fund for my philanthropy?
