Navigating Medi-Cal Estate Recovery in California: What Families Need to Know

California’s Medicaid program, also known as Medi-Cal, provides essential health coverage and long-term care support for older adults and people of all ages with limited income. While this assistance can be life-changing, many families are surprised to learn that in some cases, the state may later seek repayment for services obtained using Medi-Cal. This process is known as estate recovery.

At Bradley Advocacy, a private care navigation service, we help families understand how estate recovery works, what it means for your future planning, and how to prepare calmly, confidently, and without fear.

What Is Medi-Cal Estate Recovery?

When someone age 55 or older receives certain types of long-term care or health services through Medi-Cal, the state may request repayment after that person’s passing. This only applies if the person received recoverable services and leaves behind assets that go through probate.

Examples of recoverable services include:

• Long-term care or nursing facility support

• Home health services or community-based care, such as in-home support

• Hospital or prescription coverage related to long-term support needs

Who Might Be Affected by Estate Recovery?

Estate recovery generally applies when:

• The Medi-Cal recipient was 55 or older

• They received recoverable services

• They owned assets at the time of death that are subject to probate

What Is Probate, and Why Does It Matter?

Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone dies, during which a court validates the will (if there is one), settles debts, and distributes assets. Probate typically applies when:

• Property is titled solely in the deceased person’s name

• There is no named beneficiary or joint owner

• Assets haven’t been placed in a trust

Assets that go through probate are public, often take months to process, and may be subject to state claims like Medi-Cal estate recovery.

By contrast, assets that avoid probate, such as those in revocable living trusts, joint tenancy, or having a designated beneficiary, are generally not vulnerable to recovery.

Why Understanding Probate and Planning Ahead Matters

Medi-Cal support is incredibly valuable and often necessary. But when families are unaware of how probate and estate recovery works, it can lead to unnecessary stress or the loss of family assets, in particular, the home.

The good news? A few key decisions made early like setting up a trust or naming account beneficiaries can provide peace of mind and help preserve assets for loved ones.

How Bradley Advocacy Supports Families

Bradley Advocacy is a private care navigation and consulting service, not a law firm. While we don’t offer legal or financial advice, we do help families:

• Understand how Medi-Cal and estate recovery policies work in California

• Ask the right questions and prepare for long-term care needs

• Get connected with trusted elder law or estate planning professionals

• Navigate Medi-Cal services and community supports with clarity and compassion

Our mission is to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered.

Estate recovery is just one part of the larger Medi-Cal system but with the right understanding and a little planning, families can prepare without panic. If you’re supporting an aging parent or navigating these questions yourself, Bradley Advocacy is here to guide you every step of the way.