What You Should Know About Long-Term Care

Introduction

Cost of Care

Risks

Who Pays

Medicare

Medi-Cal

Family

Self Insurance

LTC Insurance

More Info

What You Get
It is no wonder Medi-Cal has become so popular for Long-Term Care. In a nursing home you get a well-kept bed in a clean room shared with one or two other residents. You are also provided 24 hours supervision 7 days a week, plus at least 3 hours of hands-on care each day. Also, you get a nutritionally balanced diet including 3 meals a day plus healthful snacks; and assistance with hygiene, medications and activities of daily living. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided, as well as over the counter medications, and the use of medical devices such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane or walker.

For those who are certifiable for nursing home placement but who would rather remain in their own home or apartment, and have a family or support group to help them, Medi-Cal provides adult social day care, housing assistance, chore and personal care assistance, transportation, meals, and respite care for informal unpaid caregivers.

What You Give Up
The first thing most people give up when they go on Medi-Cal is their assets. California expects you to spend-down your own assets to pay for your own nursing home care first, then, when you have impoverished yourself, you may apply for Medi-Cal benefits. There are certain assets that are exempt from the spend-down requirement, such as your personal residence and the cash value of life insurance policies not exceeding $1,500 face value in the aggregate. Once you pass on, however, the State of California will file a claim against your estate and take your home and what may be left of most of your other assets too.

When you go on Medi-Cal as a nursing home resident you also must pay your share of the cost on a monthly basis. This means that your total monthly income, except for a personal needs allowance of thirty-five dollars, must be used first to pay for your own care, then Medi-Cal will make up the difference. There are special rules for assets and income allowed to be retained by a stay-at-home spouse.

What You Really Give Up
Many people feel that by going on Medi-Cal they give up their independence, choice, peace of mind, as well as some of their dignity.