Q. My 86-year-old mother is in a nursing home and receives a Medi-Cal subsidy. We just learned that her brother died and left her $200,000 in his trust. Will the receipt of this inheritance bounce mom off of Medi-Cal? Is there anything we can do? A. The answer to your first question is easy: yes, the… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Medi-Cal Planning
New Medi-Cal Rules: Return of the Asset Cap in 2026
Q. You recently wrote an article advising that Governor Newsom was proposing a return to the former asset cap of $2,000 for those older individuals seeking to qualify for Medi-Cal. Has there been any decision on this? A. Yes, indeed! And the news is not as bad as many of us feared. A little background… Read More »
Governor Proposes to Restore Medi-Cal Resource Caps
Q: I just heard that Governor Newsom has proposed the reinstatement of the former asset test to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. Is this true and, if so, what does this mean for seniors who might need long term care in the future? Is there anything we should do now to plan for this change? A: … Read More »
As POA for Dad, Can I Make Gifts On His Behalf?
Q. My father signed a Power Of Attorney some years ago, naming me as his agent. The POA is effective upon Dad’s incapacity, which I believe has arrived . Some family members could use some financial help. Would it be legal for me to make gifts to them from his assets using the POA? Can… Read More »
New Medi-Cal Rules Make It Easier To Qualify for Financial Assistance
Q. My mother will need care in a Nursing Home, but the cost is beyond our reach. I understand that Medi-Cal can help subsidize that cost if she were eligible for that financial assistance. I also heard that there are new rules now in place that may make it easier for her to qualify. Can… Read More »
Understand Medi-Cal Recovery and Avoid an Unpleasant Surprise
Q. Mother recently died after spending two years in a nursing home on Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal just sent us a bill for about $150,000 and says it will file a claim against her home. Yikes! We thought her home was an exempt asset. What do we do about the bill? A. Your situation is all too… Read More »
Financial Help for Care at Home: the IHSS Program
Q. Our 91 year-old mother is frail but wishes to remain at home. She has limited financial resources, so my sister is living with her and providing care without pay. Are there any government programs that might help us hire a caregiver and give my sister some relief? A. Yes. There are a number of… Read More »
Legal Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Q. My husband was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but still seems to be generally okay. Are there legal steps we should take by way of planning for the future? Yes. Once you or loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important to take action to get your affairs in order. Here is my… Read More »
Consider Tax Savvy Year End Gifts To Family
Q. Last year around this time, you wrote an article on year-end gift planning, but I cannot find the copy I saved. My wife and I are considering making large gifts to our two children to help them remodel their homes, and we would like to do so in a way that is “tax wise”…. Read More »
Filial Responsibility: Are Children Responsible For Their Parents’ Care?
Q. My wife and I are concerned that our adult children might be held financially responsible for our care in the event we run out of our own resources. Our children are good kids, but they have their own financial responsibilities, including putting their own kids through college. Can you shed any light on this?… Read More »