Medi-Cal Planning in California: How to Protect Your Home and Stay Eligible for Care

15/10/2025 18 min Episodio 9
Medi-Cal Planning in California: How to Protect Your Home and Stay Eligible for Care

Listen "Medi-Cal Planning in California: How to Protect Your Home and Stay Eligible for Care"

Episode Synopsis

Episode Summary
In this episode of Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder, Brian Chew breaks down the complex world of Medi-Cal planning for California families. He explains how seniors can protect their homes and assets while still qualifying for long-term care benefits. Brian clears up common misconceptions, discusses the 30-month look-back period, and shares practical strategies for avoiding costly mistakes.
What You Will Learn in This Episode

What Medi-Cal is and how it helps cover long-term care costs


The difference between nursing homes, assisted living, and board-and-care facilities


Asset and income rules for Medi-Cal eligibility


How the 30-month look-back period works in California


Common mistakes families make when transferring property or assets


How revocable and irrevocable trusts impact Medi-Cal and estate recovery


Why planning ahead is key to protecting your home and preserving family wealth



Key Timestamps
00:02:00 – What Medi-Cal covers and how it differs from Medicare
00:05:00 – Assets you can keep and the $2,000 financial limit explained
00:07:30 – Understanding California’s 30-month look-back period
00:10:00 – The role of trusts in Medi-Cal planning and estate recovery
00:13:00 – When and how to start planning for long-term care costs
00:15:00 – Analyzing assets and choosing the right strategy for your family


About the Show
Estate Planning: Beyond the Binder is a podcast dedicated to simplifying estate planning for families in California. Featuring attorney Brian Chew, managing partner at OC Wills and Trusts, the show provides expert insights into trusts, wills, and asset protection strategies. Through clear explanations and practical advice, the podcast empowers listeners to secure their family’s financial future and build lasting legacies.