For eligibility for Medi-Cal, you cannot have more than $2,000 in non-qualified assets in your name by the end of the month that you want to be eligible. So, if you apply for Medi-Cal on April 1, 2016, you must be down to $2,000 in assets by April 30, 2016. In addition to the $2,000, you can have any amount of qualified assets, like IRAs. Under the Medi-Cal regulations, you can spend down your assets for anything for yourself, to create eligibility. For instance, you pay for a new roof on your home, remodel your home, pay off bills, buy new clothes, pay down your mortgage, etc. Keep your receipts so that you can document your expenditures to Medi-Cal. If you are considering going into a nursing home and then applying for Medi-Cal, you should consider spending down your assets after you have applied to the facility, and have privately paid for awhile. You should keep in mind that if you have been admitted to a Medi-Cal certified facility, and have privately paid, you cannot by law be evicted or transferred from the facility because you want to change from a private pay patient to a Medi-Cal patient.
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.