Medi–Cal & Estate Planning Information

Federal and state law and state regulations govern the processes for becoming eligible for Medi–Cal as well as the estate recovery program. If you or a loved one is thinking about applying for Medi–Cal, you should become as informed as possible about these rules in order to create a realistic and comprehensive estate plan.

Medi–Cal Eligibility

There are certain rules and restrictions regarding assets/resources for Medi–Cal beneficiaries and their spouses. Though the rules for receiving Medi–Cal at home versus a skilled nursing facility are similar in many respects, there are some key differences that will affect your asset planning.

For an overview of Medi–Cal eligibility for long term care, see: Medi–Cal for Long Term Care.

For an overview of Medi–Cal eligibility at home, see: Community Based Medi–Cal
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Medi–Cal Estate Recovery

Just because an asset may be considered exempt for purposes of Medi–Cal eligibility does not ensure that it will be safe from an estate claim. For more information about estate claims, see: Medi–Cal Recovery FAQ.

Medi–Cal eligibility and recovery rules can be very confusing. If you think you need help planning your estate, contact our Lawyer Referral Service for a referral to a competent Medi–Cal knowledgeable attorney. For a comprehensive overview of the Medi–Cal rules, see our Medi–Cal information section.