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California Medi-Cal (Medicaid) Planning Attorneys

California’s Medi-Cal program provides fundamental health care coverage for San Jose seniors and individuals living with disabilities. California law provides specific guidelines for Medi-Cal eligibility. However, qualifying while protecting your assets requires careful planning and a deep knowledge of state-specific regulations.

At the Law Offices of Berge & Berge, we combine advanced tax planning knowledge with estate planning strategies to help South Bay Area families navigate to Medi-Cal qualification. Our managing partner, James Berge, brings unique insights to your case as both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an attorney with a master’s in tax law.

Medi-Cal Income And Assets Limits For Eligibility In California

California’s Medi-Cal qualification process involves strict evaluation of both income and assets. As such:

  • Single applicants must have an annual income below $20,783.
  • Married couples must have a combined annual income of at or below $28,208.
  • Certain assets, like retirement accounts, life insurance policies and prepaid funeral arrangements, may be exempt from Medi-Cal calculations when properly structured.

As of January 1, 2024, California eliminated asset limits for most Medi-Cal eligibility determinations. Either way, your specific financial situation requires careful analysis from a lawyer to help ensure you take advantage of all available planning opportunities while maintaining compliance with state regulations.

Protecting Your Assets Through Strategic Planning

Asset protection for Medi-Cal is not about hiding resources – it is about restructuring them according to California law to benefit both you and your family in the following ways:

  • Strategic timing of asset transfers to avoid Medi-Cal’s 30-month lookback period for eligibility
  • Creation of Medi-Cal-compliant annuities to convert countable assets into exempt income streams
  • Establishment of specialized trusts that protect property while maintaining Medi-Cal eligibility
  • Implementation of caregiver agreements that allow compensation for family members providing care

Our firm’s unique combination of tax law experience and estate planning experience helps ensure your asset protection plan aligns with Medi-Cal regulations and tax efficiency goals.

 

Contact Us

The window for Medi-Cal planning often opens suddenly when a health crisis occurs. Our team at the Law Offices of Berge & Berge understands the urgency of these situations. Contact our San Jose office at 669-244-3546 or online for a consultation.