Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medi-Cal?
What's the difference between Medi-Cal, Medicaid & Medicare?
Who is eligible?
Where do I apply for Medi-Cal and learn about the 2 Tests?
I have glanced at the Medi-Cal rules and need help working through the process what will your company do?
Why not just buy Long Term Care Insurance?
How does D.A. Santos and Associates work?
May my adult children sit in on the conversation?
What additional resources do you have as I work through this process?

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS.  Medi-Cal is financed equally by the State and federal government.

What's the difference between Medi-Cal, Medicaid & Medicare?

Medi-Cal is California's version of the Medicaid program and is funded jointly by the state of California and the Federal Government. Medi-Cal recipients often receive Medicare, but the Medi-Cal program is not related to Medicare Insurance. Medicare (Social Security) is determined by age or severe disability. Medi-Cal is determined by financial need at any age. The Income Test is different in about 14 other states.

Who is eligible?

If you meet the Asset Test Medi-Cal will automatically cover you if you are at least 65 years old, blind or disabled and on SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Virtually every Californian with limited assets, resources and income may apply for Medi-Cal assistance.

You meet the Medi-Cal resource limits ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple if both are confined) ($123.600 for a married couple if one is confined.)

Payment of your medical bills would leave you with less than the available “need standard” for your other living expenses.

You qualify for the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program

You may receive Medi-Cal if you pre-qualify on the Medi-Cal Standards Tests:

Test#1 Assets & Resources Test
Test#2 The Individual Income Test

Where do I apply for Medi-Cal and learn about the 2 Tests?

You can call your local Medi-Cal office. Look in the phone book under GOVERNMENT PAGES, "County of...", then under Public Social Services.

Medi-Cal benefits are administered through California Counties and operate according to strictly regulated, state-wide codes. Click here to access these rules.

I have glanced at the Medi-Cal rules and need help working through the process what will your company do?

D.A. Santos and Associates assist seniors and their families with a comprehensive planning process utilizing experts in the area of Medi-Cal Planners, Social Workers, R.N. Case Managers, and Elder Law Attorneys. The end result is a patient specific plan, utilizing Medi-Cal regulations, that protects hard earned assets when placement in a Long Term Care facility is required and when treatment or purchase of needed medications seem impossible.

Why not just buy Long Term Care Insurance?

If you qualify for Medi-Cal, you do not need Long Term Care Insurance to pay for costs. A major drawback to Long Term Care Insurance is that you must be healthy to get it. Furthermore, the older you are, the more expensive it is, eventually to the point of being less than cost effective.

How does D.A. Santos and Associates work?

Our initial consultation is FREE. We can arrange a visit where we take a thorough personal and financial analysis of your situation.

If and only if, it makes sense for you to apply for Medi-Cal then we work with you step-by-step through the process. We will take the necessary action to preserve your assets. In most cases, we complete the Medi-Cal application and handle the process until benefits are granted. We are your representative throughout the Medi-Cal process. We also communicate with the hospitals and/or Nursing Facility of the status to eliminate your stress and defuse any confusion that the facilities may have.

May my adult children sit in on the conversation?

We encourage you and your adult children to be active in this process.

What additional resources do you have as I work through this process?

We have researched and work with the industry’s best in their area of expertise. Your comprehensive planning process will be completed utilizing experts in the area of Medi-Cal Planners, Social Workers, R.N. Case Managers, and Elder Law Attorneys.