Huge Changes in Medi-Cal Rules!

Life throws unexpected changes our way. Many times, these changes include sudden catastrophic events such as strokes, brain aneurisms, and forms of dementia. When significant medical attention is needed, long-term care in a Skilled Nursing Facility is often unavoidable. The cost exceeds $10,000.00 per month, and often ranges between $15,000.00 to $30,000.00 per month. Medicare and insurance only pays up to 100 days, so it is critical that individuals facing a medical and financial nightmare obtain Medi-Cal benefits to assist with the high cost of care. Note: Medi-Cal is referred to as Medicaid in other states, California has its own unique rules, and Medi-Cal is completely different than Medicare.
In years past, an individual qualifying for Medi-Cal could only have $2,000.00 in “non-exempt” assets (called “resources”) in order to qualify. Married couples could have more, and that amount changed every year. However, on July 1, 2022, the Medi-Cal asset test will change significantly. The amount will increase from $2,000.00 to $130,000.00 for an individual – which is unprecedented. And, even more surprising, the asset test will be fully eliminated for many Medi-Cal programs effective July 1, 2024.
These sweeping changes are part of California’s five-year initiative called the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), and the policies were signed into law during the 2021 legislative session.
Although this new change will help many, especially those needing care in a Skilled Nursing Facility, it does not apply to those receiving SSI benefits. That prior $2,000.00 limit for an individual SSI recipient will remain as-is. But for most people facing a life changing medical event who now need skilled nursing care, these are very welcomed changes!
For an appointment, please call the McNamara Law Firm at (661) 287-3260, or visit www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.