Medi-Cal Planning for Long-Term Care

Qualifying for Medi-Cal when a family member requires long-term care in a skilled nursing facility is a highly nuanced and regulated process under California law. Medi-Cal has specific income and asset eligibility thresholds, and navigating these rules can be particularly challenging for married couples who wish to preserve financial security for the spouse remaining at home (commonly referred to as the "community spouse"). Our firm takes a comprehensive and legally compliant approach to Medi-Cal planning, tailoring each strategy to the unique financial and personal circumstances of the family.

We utilize a variety of planning tools and legal mechanisms—such as irrevocable and special needs trusts, strategic asset transfers, spousal refusal planning, and court petitions under Probate Code § 3100—to reposition or protect assets in a manner that meets eligibility requirements while preserving wealth for the well-being of the non-institutionalized spouse. We also assist with the appropriate spend-down of assets, planning for exempt vs. non-exempt resources, and ensuring proper documentation and timing to avoid unnecessary penalties or delays in benefits.

Our goal is to ensure full compliance with Medi-Cal regulations and California’s estate recovery rules while maximizing asset protection and financial stability for the entire family. Through careful planning and legal advocacy, we help clients secure the benefits needed for quality long-term care without sacrificing their hard-earned life savings.