WHAT IS ELDER LAW?

Elder law involves planning for complex health care, long-term care and other issues facing elderly and disabled individuals and their families. Studies show that we stand a 40 percent chance of needing long-term care at least once before we die. Therefore, everyone should take into account that at some point, a nursing home or an assisted living facility may be needed.

However, the substantial cost of nursing home care for an incapacitated person can wipe away a family's nest egg and the inheritance planned for surviving family members. The primary alternative to paying privately for nursing home care is Medi-Cal.

MEDI-CAL PLANNING MYTHS

At The Elder and Disability Law Firm, APC, so many times clients come to our office under the mistaken impression that nothing can be done to protect assets from nursing home costs. Much of what clients have been led to believe is false.

For example, it isn't always necessary to wait five years after gifting assets to become eligible for Medi-Cal. It depends upon the specific facts of your case. With the help of an experienced elder law and Medi-Cal planning attorney, many of the assets you have spent a lifetime accumulating can be protected from high nursing home expenses.

MEDI-CAL ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES

Although the recent passage of the Deficit Reduction Act has tightened some restrictions, other asset protection strategies remain viable, especially for married couples where one spouse requires long-term care. They include setting up an irrevocable living trust, making gifts to family members and paying for certain Medi-Cal expenses.

CALL OUR EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS NOW

Whether you are facing long-term care issues yourself or you have a family member who is, we encourage you to call with your questions at 909-677-2671 or ask us for a report.

Be sure to call or contact us sooner rather than later because the timing of the decisions families must make has a dramatic impact on whether someone can actually qualify for this type of support.