The home is usually our clients’ most valuable asset. For Medi-Cal planning purposes, we have discussed in previous blogs how you can set up your Long Term Care Plan to ensure that you can transfer your home to your spouse or to you children without Medi-Cal penalty, and at the same time protect your home from a Medi-Cal lien.
But in the meantime, what if you need cash and you want to tap into the equity in your home? How will a line of credit affect your eligibility for Medi-Cal? Generally speaking, if you take a lump sum from the line of credit on your home, that lump sum may be treated as an asset which could negatively affect your eligibility for Medi-Cal. However, if you draw down on your line of credit as needed, for specific purposes, your eligibility for Medi-Cal should not be affected. So for instance, if you draw money down from your line of credit to pay for a roof repair, or to make payments for in-home-care, your line of credit would not be counted for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes should you need to go into a nursing home. As a result, it may be a good idea to check into getting a line of credit on your home. And by doing so, we should still be able to protect your home under Medi-Cal regulations.
This information is not to be taken as legal advice, and you are encouraged to see your elder law attorney. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Young, at 1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA www.WalnutCreekElderLaw, 925-256-0298, lawyoung1@gmail.com we practice Elder Law and we help Baby Boomers, Seniors and families through their Elder Care Journey. We help families with long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. We also help Baby Boomers and families get their “Ducks in a Row” in order help them qualify for Medi-Cal and the VA Aid & Attendance Improved Pension benefit.