Medi-Cal Planning for Seniors in California

An experienced team of Certified Medicaid Planners™, Legacy Navigation offers assistance with assisted living waiver applications for adults 65 and over in California. Not only are we specially trained in Medi-Cal programs and how to qualify and apply for them, but our services are a fraction of the cost of an Elder Care Attorney.

We’re Experts on California Medi-Cal Planning for Seniors

With the highest expertise, education, and empathy, Legacy Navigation provides professional support to California seniors and their families needing access to long-term care Medicaid benefits.

Meet Our Team

Planning for Medi-Cal: Our Process

INITIAL CONTACT

You reach out to us by phone, email, or through our website. We gather some basic information and listen to your needs.

Result: We schedule your complimentary consultation.

CONSULTATION

We meet with you (virtually or by phone) to understand your situation, review your goals, and answer your questions.

Result: You receive a clear recommendation and plan overview.

ENGAGEMENT

If you decide to move forward, we’ll send your engagement agreement. Once signed and payment is received, we begin.

Result: You’re officially part of the Legacy Navigation family.

DOCUMENT COLLECTION

We provide you with a custom document checklist and guide you every step of the way to gather what’s needed.

Result: We build a complete picture of your financial situation.

STRATEGY & PLAN

We analyze your information and create a personalized Medi-Cal strategy tailored to your goals and timeline.

Result: You receive a clear plan with next steps explained.

PLAN EXECUTION

We put the plan into action: setting up trusts, completing spend-down strategies, or coordinating with trusted partners as needed.

Result: You don’t have to navigate this alone. We handle the details.

MEDI-CAL APPLICATION

We prepare and submit your Medi-Cal application and all supporting documents. We follow up with the state on your behalf.

Result: Your application is in process and moving forward.

APPROVAL

Once approved, we’ll notify you right away and review the approval details with you.

Result: You’re approved for Medi-Cal and ready for the next steps.

POST-APPROVAL SUPPORT

We help ensure everything is in place: provider enrollment, care coverage, and any follow-up actions needed.

Result: You can feel confident knowing everything is taken care of.

FOLLOW-UP & ONGOING CARE

We check in after approval to make sure everything is working smoothly and answer any new questions.

Result: You have a trusted partner for the long term.

Client and Community Partner Testimonials

I had the opportunity to work with Jessica and Brooke on a Medicaid eligibility issue for a family member. They listened patiently and offered seasoned advice that gave me a plan of action with confidence and assurance that I was on the right track. I can't recommend them more highly! Thank you.

Legacy Navigation is an amazing company. Just a year ago I was trying to manipulate all the paperwork so my Mother could get approved for Medicaid. I contacted Legacy and they came to my home for a free consultation, which at the end they let me know the cost to hire them. It was the best money spent. This team of ladies know how to get stuff done. Within 90 days my Mother was approved and set up for her remaining days. They took the hassle and stress off by doing all the leg work for me. Every one of them cares the very best for their customers and they provide an outstanding service. I would never use anyone else and will return for their help on future needs for my Father as well as In-laws. Loved working with them the entire time.

Time and again these ladies have made it less stressful for me and my Aunt. Thank you such amazing ladies.

Legacy Navigation made my grandmother's Medicaid enrollment and assisted living placement a breeze. We didn't know where to start when my grandma's rent continued to rise and she could no longer afford to stay. They walked us through every step and helped us navigate the options out there for seniors. We are so appreciative of all they did for us!

Our Medi-Cal Planning Services

If your income is above Medi-Cal financial limits, it doesn’t automatically mean you don’t qualify for benefits.

If your cost of care exceeds your income, there are legal planning strategies that can be implemented to organize and convert your finances to meet eligibility requirements.

Medi-Cal Application Assistance

As certified Medicaid consultants, we have a thorough knowledge of Medi-Cal programs and can help you navigate current Medicaid rules and complete the application on your behalf. Learn more here.

Medi-Cal Financial Planning

As part of our Medi-Cal consulting for seniors process, we help you legally structure your financial resources in compliance with Medi-Cal’s guidelines to meet Medi-Cal’s income and asset eligibility limits. Learn more here.

Medi-Cal Asset Protection

We provide guidance on converting countable assets into exempt assets to preserve your family’s financial resources. In many cases, we can protect the family home and ensure that a healthy spouse has adequate resources to continue living independently. Learn more here.

Durable Power of Attorney

Having a Power of Attorney for medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated is one of the best planning tools you can implement. Our team will educate you on your choices and help you complete a POA according to your wishes. Learn more here.

Clinical Case Management

Our clinical background sets us apart from other firms who provide Medi-Cal planning services. Beyond the Medicaid application process, we can secure the services you need for long-term care, whether that be home health services, assisted living, or skilled nursing. Learn more here.

Medical Travel Companion

If you or your loved one needs to relocate, our team of Medical Travel Companions can help. We arrange all transportation, medication administration, and clinical and comfort management during the trip. Learn more here.

How Can Medi-Cal Planning Help California Seniors?

California Medi-Cal Crisis Planning

A senior living at home in California may experience a sudden life event that immediately changes the level of daily care they require.
Seniors and their loved ones may quickly find the cost of assisted living or in-home care exceeds their income.
This may leave families scrambling to apply for California’s intricate and ever-changing Medicaid benefits.

California Medi-Cal Pre-Planning

Seniors who are currently enjoying good health should still plan ahead to ensure they’re prepared for changes in their long-term care needs.
Medicaid planning in California requires an estate plan that will extend the life of your finances in the event that long-term benefits are required.
Even without the pressure of immediate need, the process of applying for Medicaid in California can be overwhelming and convoluted.

Benefits of Medi-Cal Planning for Seniors in California

Asset protection
Assistance with Medi-Cal applications
Qualification for HCBS waiver
Financial assistance to pay for in-home or facility-based long-term care

FAQs on Medi-Cal Planning for Seniors in California

At what age can seniors in California qualify for Medi-Cal?

California’s standard Medicaid — Medi-Cal — requires seniors to be 65 years old and older to qualify. Seniors may qualify based on age or disability, but California has new exceptions, allowing others to qualify if they meet different eligibility factors. A certified Medicaid planner in California can help you determine your Medicaid eligibility.

Can seniors in California pay for assisted living and long-term care with Medi-Cal?

Yes. California offers different programs and waivers — Assisted Living Waiver and In-home Supportive Services — to help seniors who meet strict eligibility pay for care. However, services can vary throughout California, so using a certified Medi-Cal planner to navigate your options is best.

How far in advance should seniors in California start the Medi-Cal planning process?

It’s recommended to start the Medi-Cal planning process at least five years before long-term care is needed to avoid issues with Medi-Cal’s 5-year lookback period. However, if your family needs immediate care, seniors can still benefit from crisis Medicaid planning, which helps structure assets appropriately and expedite eligibility.

How does Medi-Cal planning help protect a spouse in California?

Medi-Cal allows the spouse at home (known as the community spouse) to keep a specific portion of the couple’s assets and income while the other spouse qualifies for Medi-Cal. A Medi-Cal planner helps ensure the Community Spouse Resource Allowance Act is followed to protect savings, property, and monthly income.

Do you need an attorney to go through Medi-Cal planning in California?

Not always. While some situations require the expertise of an elder law attorney — particularly when trusts, estate issues, or complex assets are involved — many families can work with certified Medi-Cal planners who specialize in eligibility strategy, spend-down planning, navigating intricate rules, and application support.