How Can an Elderly Patient or Parent Be Admitted into Long-Term Care on Medi-Cal in California?

Question from Jake, How Can an Elderly Patient or Parent Be Admitted into Long-Term Care on Medi-Cal in California?

Answer from AI:

Understanding Medi-Cal and Long-Term Care

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or HIV/AIDS. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the state and federal government.

Long-term care, on the other hand, refers to a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long periods.

Eligibility for Medi-Cal

To qualify for long-term care through Medi-Cal, the individual must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

• Being 65 years or older, blind, or disabled
• Being a U.S. citizen or having satisfactory immigration status
• Meeting certain income and asset limits

Income and Asset Limits: The income limit for an individual applying for Medi-Cal is $1,468 per month and $1,983 for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. However, certain assets are exempt, such as the individual’s home, one vehicle, household items, personal belongings, and burial plots.

Applying for Medi-Cal

The application process for Medi-Cal can be complex, and it may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional or a Medi-Cal consultant. Here are the general steps:

1. Complete the application: You can apply online at the Covered California website, in person at a county social services office, or by mail.
2. Provide necessary documentation: This includes proof of income, assets, identity, California residency, and U.S. citizenship or satisfactory immigration status.
3. Wait for the decision: After submitting the application and necessary documents, the county has 45 days to make a decision (90 days if disability determination is needed).

Long-Term Care under Medi-Cal

Once approved for Medi-Cal, the individual may be eligible for long-term care services, which can be provided at home, in a nursing home, or in a community-based adult services (CBAS) center. The specific services and level of care provided will depend on the individual’s medical needs and personal circumstances.

Legal Advice

Navigating the Medi-Cal system can be complex, and the rules around eligibility and coverage can change. It may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional or a Medi-Cal consultant to ensure that you are taking the right steps and providing the correct information. They can also help you understand the potential implications of transferring assets in order to qualify for Medi-Cal, which can sometimes result in penalties.

Remember, this information is a general guide and not a substitute for legal advice. Always consult with a professional for personalized advice.