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Articles & Professional Info

Major Changes Coming to Medi-Cal: How New Asset Rules Will Affect Your Skilled Nursing Home Coverage

Posted by Marty Burbank | Aug 15, 2025 | 0 Comments

Medi-Cal Asset Limit Changes: Key Points Summary What's Happening: Starting January 1, 2026, California will bring back asset limits for Medi-Cal skilled nursing home coverage that could disqualify many current recipients. The Timeline: Before 2024: Strict $130,000 asset limit for individuals, $195,000 for couples 2024-2026: No asset limits - anyone could qualify regardless of wealth After January 1, 2026: Asset limits return to pre-2024 levels Who's Affected: Current Medi-Cal recipients will be reassessed during their next eligibility review after January 1, 2026 Many people who qualify now may lose coverage if they have too many assets New applicants will need to meet the asset limits to qualify Why This Matters: Nursing home care costs over $114,000 per year on average People may be forced to spend down life savings to qualify again Some may lose independence and require more expensive institutional care Take Action Now: Limited opportunity to be "grandfathered" under current rules if you act before December 31, 2025 Complex legal planning may help protect assets and preserve eligibility Contact OC Elder Law for expert guidance before time runs out Bottom Line: If you or a loved one relies on Medi-Cal for skilled nursing care, these changes could significantly impact your coverage and financial security. Professional legal guidance is essential to navigate these complex rule changes.

Estate Planning for Blended Families: How to Ensure Fairness and Clarity in Asset Distribution

Posted by Marty Burbank | Jul 18, 2025 | 0 Comments

Blended family estate planning involves navigating complex interrelationships and evolving family dynamics. Emotions can run high, and past experiences may influence decisions about asset distribution. A major challenge is balancing the interests of biological children with those of stepchildren, often leading to disputes if directives are unclear.

Protecting Your Assets: Essential Legal Planning When Facing Deportation Risk

Posted by Marty Burbank | Jun 19, 2025 | 0 Comments

This document provides legal guidance for individuals facing potential deportation on how to protect their financial affairs and assets. Here's a summary of the key points: Main Concern: People at risk of deportation need to prepare for situations where they may suddenly be unable to manage their own financial affairs. Essential Document - Power of Attorney: The most critical step is creating a financial power of attorney, which allows a trusted person to manage your finances if you become unable to do so. Without this, family members may be blocked from accessing bank accounts, paying bills, or handling other financial matters. Additional Protection for Substantial Assets: Those with real estate or significant assets should consider establishing a trust for enhanced protection and more sophisticated asset management. Asset Documentation: Create a comprehensive inventory of all assets to attach to your power of attorney, including bank accounts, real estate, investments, business interests, personal property, insurance policies, and digital assets. Real Estate Considerations: Property owners should include specific language in their power of attorney allowing their agent to establish trusts if needed. Real estate-related powers of attorney must be notarized. Professional Legal Help: While basic forms are available, complex situations benefit from attorney guidance for proper legal structures, compliance, tax implications, and coordination with immigration planning. Licensed attorneys also provide attorney-client privilege protection. Timing: The document emphasizes taking action proactively rather than waiting for a crisis, as advance planning is more effective and can prevent financial chaos for families. The overall message is that proper legal planning now can be the difference between family financial stability and devastating consequences if deportation occurs.

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