The ever-increasing costs of healthcare in retirement have got many people and their loved ones dipping into savings to cover healthcare. Fortunately, there are options available that can help ease the stress of your increasing health costs. California Medi-Cal benefits is one. It’s a joint state and federal program available to help California residents pay for healthcare, including skilled nursing home care. Qualifying for Medi-Cal can be challenging and there are some things you need to consider in order to make sure that you receive proper Medi-Cal benefits.
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4 ways to ensure you receive proper California Medi-Cal benefits:
Do Your Research Before Applying
Do your homework before applying for Medi-Cal benefits. Make sure you understand the what, why, how of it. There are rules related to marital status, health, assets, and income that determine your eligibility. However, if you qualify, then Medi-Cal can pay not only for your medical care received in a nursing home, but also for equipment, physical therapy, supplies, medicine, and other necessary care related expenses. One rule can affect how another rule applies to you specifically. That’s why it is recommended that you do your research to determine how you should proceed.
Avoid Mistakes When Applying
Medi-Cal can help families with paying for medicines, doctor’s visits, nursing home care, and more. Making even a minor mistake in the Medi-Cal application process can result in smaller benefit amounts, benefit delays, or even disqualification from the program. Take the time to be careful and make sure that there are no mistakes when applying. This is because any mistake made in documentation or on a form can cause significant delays in qualification for Medi-Cal.
Plan for Estate Recovery
Once Medi-Cal benefits have approval, you may still end up paying back the cost of care if you don’t plan properly. When a person has Medi-Cal benefits, after they pass away, the state will usually request back the money that Medi-Cal spent on their care from their estate. It’s known as estate recovery. In many cases, the money is acquired from the forced sale of the Medi-Cal recipient’s home. With proper planning, you can avoid the pitfalls of estate recovery.
Consult a Medi-Cal Planning Attorney
Applying and qualifying for California Medi-Cal benefits is challenging and complicated. That’s why you should consult an attorney who works with Medi-Cal benefits planning. This attorney can protect your hard-earned assets by avoiding estate recovery. They’ll help you plan for your family’s specific situation and give you the most up-to-date advice. Rules and regulations change often. You’ll save money, time, frustration, and maybe your house, throughout this important care planning process.
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