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GeneralWhat is Medi-Cal, and Who is Eligible?

Currently, there are more than 800,000 people residing in assisted living facilities across America – and that number keeps growing.

As we age, we need to start thinking about securing long-term care later in life – the sooner we begin to plan, the better.

However, California residents are finding themselves unable to pay for the rising cost of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. That’s where estate and medi cal planning comes in.

One of the best ways to secure the care you need is to consult an attorney who is well-versed in the Medicaid process. But what’s the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal? And how do you qualify?

Read on to learn the answers to these two questions and more.

Are Medicaid and Medi-Cal the Same Thing?

Medicaid is a health program that works on a federal level with each state to provide low-cost health coverage. Medi-Cal is Medicaid’s California branch – so it is the same.

Californian residents who qualify for Medi-Cal have access to 21 managed care plans, and the coverage depends on which county you reside in. The state Medicaid marketplace is called “Covered California.”

Medicare vs. Medi-Cal

The main difference between Medicaid and Medicare is that Medicaid is a needs-based program that is only available to residents who fall in the low-income bracket. Qualifying individuals are only required to pay a small co-payment to Medicaid.

The federal government runs Medicare, and the qualifying criteria and benefits vary from state to state. Residents pay a portion of their medical expenses via deductibles. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicare program, and the state of California runs it.

Types of Medicare Coverage

Medicare is available in two types of coverage: Part A and Part B.

Part A coverage is a basic insurance plan that covers care in hospitals, nursing facilities, hospices, and at home. Recipients of Medicare generally do not have to pay for the coverage outlined in Part A.

Part B coverage is similar to a more comprehensive health plan because it covers hospital care for outpatients, visits to the doctor, and other medical services.

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 or older and a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. You or your spouse must also have worked in a Medicare-covered job for at least ten years.

Individuals under the age of 65 might qualify for Medicare if they have a disability or a life-threatening end-stage renal disease.

It’s important to note that Medicare does not usually cover long-term stays in nursing homes or hospitals.

Long-Term Planning

Living to an old age means that most of us will have to live in a long-term care facility at some point in our lives – that’s why planning early is vital.

As we’ve discussed, qualifying for Medicaid is not as easy as it sounds – you’ll need to provide proof that you receive a low income and own very few assets. Any financial resources over $2,000 mean you’re ineligible for Medi-Cal.

Speak to an experienced lawyer to start estate planning today.

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