The specific techniques and information discussed may not apply to you. Before acting on any matter contained herein, you should consult with your personal legal adviser. As it is a Federally funded, State implemented, program, both State and Federal law apply. Medicare does not cover long-term nursing home care. Medi-Cal does, if the applicant meets the income and asset requirements.
Some assets are exempt and disregarded in determining eligibility.
A home is an exempt asset, as are certain other specified assets. Assets may be converted from non-exempt to exempt. If he uses that money to pay off his home mortgage or improve his home, since the home is exempt, he has successfully converted his assets and may now be eligible for Medi-Cal. The maximum period of ineligibility is now 36 months. If exempt assets are given away, there should be no period of ineligibility.