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 Testimonials

“ Our experience with Quality Life Solutions has been a bright spot during the passing of my Mom.
All of our dealings were handled with compassion and a high degree of professionalism. Service
seems to be a foreign concept to a lot of businesses but not with QLS. Everyone we dealt with at QLS,
exhibited such a high level of service, that it was refreshing and appreciated. I will definitely
“
recommend QLS to anyone that is need of their services and I would like to thank all involved, again
for the efforts on our behalf.
The Hein Family
Fresno, CA

“ I've been with Quality Life Solutions for 5 years and its been a pleasure to do business with them.
“
They have been a true life saver for me. I have and will continue to recommend Quality Life
Solutions to anyone who needs help navigating the Medi-Cal process. Thank you again.
Sally H.
Los Angeles, CA

“ Everyone in the office is professional. They have helped numerous of our residents. Quality Life
Solutions is the only company I will give a referral to. When I send over a referral I know the
family will be taken care of. They treat families with such a caring nature. When dealing with these
types of affairs it can be a very sensitive situation. Quality Life Solutions handles each case with care
and professionalism. I have never got any complaints, just praise on how they helped them.
George Kutnerian
Chief Executive Officer at Fresno Guest Homes ”
“
“
Thank you for doing your very best to take care of my mom’s and dad’s Medi-Cal needs. I don't know
what we would have done without you. Thank you for all of your efforts.
Sheryl A.
Santa Monica, CA

“ Planning for long-term care is a complicated and overwhelming process for families and their elder
loved ones. The Quality Life Solutions staff are experts who simplify this process for clients
and offer solutions that provide them peace of mind. When it comes to planning your long-term care,
you have to trust who you're working with. Phil and his staff have earned the trust of so many “
because of their combination of uncompromising quality and efficiency-- that combination is what
expertise is all about and what you can count on getting with QLS when it comes to your planning.
Lori Buwalda
Business Office Manager at Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation

“
“
They were professional, compassionate, and empathetic. I can’t say enough good things about your
company. Thank you so much!
Amanda P.
Lodi, CA
 uality

Life
Solutions
1 Did You Know? Long Term Care is Not Cheap!

 Medicare Does Not 3ay )or Long Term Care

 Medi-Cal’s Long Term Care Program

 Five Myths of Medi-Cal Qualification

 Who is Quality Life Solutions - How &an :H +elp

8 What is: The Assisted Living Waiver Program

9 What is: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

10 What is: Veterans Pension w/ Aid & Attendance

12 Documents We ALL Need

14 How Will I Pay For Long Term Care?

www.qualitylifesolutions.com  Toll Free 877-773-3535

Did you know?
 Long termcare is not cheap and
 No one pays for your long term care but you!

FACT
According to the Genworth 201ϴ Cost of Care Survey, a private
room in a nursing home in the Central Valley costs $8,ϴϴϮ per
month. In Los Angeles, it is $9,Ϯϳϳ per month and in Sacramento,
$10,ϭϱϵ per month. How long can you pay that?

FACT
The average monthly costs for assisted living across California is
$3,ϰϬϱ monthly.

But wait—is home care cheaper?

NO!
At an average of $25 per hour, home care can cost $600 a day or
$4,200 a week!

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 ϭ

 Do Not Believe that Medicare Will Pay for Nursing Home Costs!

38% of people wrongly think that Medicare and their health insurance will pay for long-
term care services.

Medicare does pay for short-term rehabilitation type of care.

Medicare does not pay for Long-term care.

Medicare pays for rehabilitation (up to 100 days) after a senior has been in a hospital for at
least 3 days and then goes to a nursing home for rehabilitation.

The first 20 days of rehabilitation care are completely paid for by Medicare.

Days 21-100, Medicare will pay a majority of the bill--- but not all. On day 21, the patient is
required to pay $16ϳ.50 daily either out of pocket, by their HMO insurance, or Medicare
supplement. If the patient stays the full 100 & pays out of pocket the daily rate of $16ϳ.50, the
patient will have paid $1ϯ,ϮϯϮ͘ϱϬ to the facility.
Medicare requires that you are either getting better or worse to receive rehabilitation
benefits. Once you are deemed “STABLE” --- you are responsible for all costs.

Even though the maximum period Medicare will pay for rehabilitation is 100 days, most families
will find themselves receiving a notice of termination of Medicare benefits around week three or
the 21st day. The nursing home’s business office will tell you when Medicare will stop paying.

WHAT IF: You cannot go home and need long-term care

Once Medicare stops paying, the patient has three options:
1. Pay out of pocket – pay the nursing home monthly for costs
2. If the patient had long term care insurance --- use that to pay the costs
3. Qualify for the “Long Term Care Medi-Cal” Program

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 Ϯ

 Medi-Cal Long-Term Care Program

Medi-Cal has several different programs. There is a Medi-Cal health insurance program
and also a Medi-Cal program for Long Term Care. The most misunderstood is the Medi-Cal “Long
Term Care” program.
Most people first hear about Medi-Cal Long Term Care coverage when a loved one is
hospitalized, then discharged to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. Medicare may pay for
this extended care for a while…but not long.
For those who do not have long term care insurance, the choice then becomes to pay the
cost themselves, over $7,000 per month, or apply for Long Term Care Medi-Cal.

Few could afford to private pay for long without seriously impacting the financial security of
the spouse and family. Both married and unmarried individuals also worry as the estate they
intended to pass to their children or heirs is rapidly eaten up by nursing home bills.

A lot of misinformation is out there about Long Term Care Medi-Cal. Some of this
information comes from Medi-Cal workers and friends and family that mean well but are
not familiar with ALL the rules of Long-Term Care Medi-Cal.
“Most couples already qualify for Long-Term Medi-Cal”
Many people believe that they must spend down their assets in order to qualify.
Married couples can have a home AND $12ϯ,ϲ00 in assets and still qualify for Long-Term Care
Medi-Cal. Even more, if you have an IRA that is making a distribution--- the principal will not
be counted as an asset for eligibility purposes. Before incorrectly assuming you will not
qualify for Medi-Cal, please consult with QLS.

Qualifying for Medi-Cal can be confusing and quite frankly overwhelming. We do not recommend trying
to become eligible yourself since an improper transfer of assets can cause a period of ineligibility of up
to five years. Quality Life Solutions has the experts and the strategies to do the planning necessary to get
you eligible for Medi-Cal Long Term coverage benefits quickly. We guarantee our services.

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 ϯ

FIVE MYTHS
OF MEDI-CAL
After I die, Medi-Cal will take my home as
payment for Medi-Cal benefits received.

QUALIFICATION
“Before I apply for Medi-Cal, I have to spend
Myth #1 down all my assets to $2000.”
This is not true; especially for married couples. Call us
now to find out how much you can save.

“After I die, Medi-Cal will take my home as

Myth #2 payment for Medi-Cal benefits received.”
This is a possibility, but here at QLS, we know how to
avoid this.

“I have to divorce my spouse to qualify for Medi-

Myth #3 Cal in a nursing home.”
Most definitely not true. Call us now to protect your
assets and your marriage.

“My income is too high to qualify me for

Myth #4 Medi-Cal.”
False. Income never disqualifies someone from qualifying for
Medi-Cal. If this is your situation, contact our office to find out
how we can help.

“I have to give away my house & all of my money

Myth #5 way in advance to qualify for Med-Cal.”
Not True. If you need Medi-Cal today, call us now.

4
uality Life Solutions, Inc.
Senior Care Planning & Asset Protection

Caring for an aging parent, elderly partner or loved one

presents difficult challenges, especially when a crisis hits and
you are suddenly faced with the responsibilities of elder care.
Perhaps your aging mother fell, is hospitalized with a broken
hip and needs to go to a rehab facility or nursing home to
recover. With so many types of care and emotions involved
with making the best decision, making any decision can be
overwhelming.
We all want the best for our loved ones but rarely do we
possess the knowledge or have the proper training to assist
them or care for their needs. Making the right decisions and
managing their care requires help on many fronts; Legal,
Financial, and most importantly Medical. Care is the most
critical factor in deciding the financial and legal plan of action.

“ Here at QLS, one of the biggest issues we deal with is that most people really
don't know the different types of care options available and even more so,
don't know what they cost. They've usually never had to think about it before
and thus, are often quickly overwhelmed and stressed. Our goal at QLS is to
help the patient afford to get better. Sometimes it’s liquidating what they
have….Sometimes it's budgeting… Sometimes it’s moving somewhere less
expensive… Sometimes it’s investing money to generate income that can then
be used to help pay for care. Sometimes it’s helping qualify for Medi-Cal or
Veteran’s pension benefits. ---- The thing to remember is that there is no 'one
size fits all' approach when it comes to paying for long-term care. There are
often multiple options available if you know where to look. At QLS, our trained
“
professionals use their decades of experience to examine the patient’s overall
situation and find the best solution for the patient and their family.

So whether you are in the middle of a crisis and decisions have

to be made quickly, or planning ahead for an elderly or special
needs person, you will benefit from having a conversation
with a QLS Senior Care Planner today. Consultation is Free.
(877)773-3535 | www.qualitylifesolutions.com

5
 Where do we go after rehab?

How do we pay for it?

What assistance
do we qualify for?

Who can help?

Where do I start?

OUR EXPERTS CAN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AND MORE!

We have assembled a highly QUALIFIED group of trained legal and financial
professionals that can provide the necessary high-level guidance and
situation specific direction you need to make informed decisions, save
precious time and money, and reduce stress.

OUR EXPERTS provide Free Consultations to determine eligibility of Long

Term Medi-Cal and/or Veteran's benefits. We apply for the Veteran's Aid
and Attendance or Housebound Pension.
OUR EXPERTS help review the patient’s options for care at home or at
an assisted living facility, considering all financial resources available. We
specialize in IHSS Planning.
OUR EXPERTS can help the patient to qualify for Long Term Medi-Cal so
as to avoid spending their entire life savings on healthcare. We specialize
in accelerating Medi-Cal Eligibility while preserving assets for future needs.
OUR LEGAL PARTNERS, who specialize in Medi-Cal Planning, can review
Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Wills, and (importantly) Powers of
Attorney documents to ensure affairs are in order and prevent an estate
recovery.
OUR TEAM will work together to surround the patient with the resources,
support, and guidance they need to make decisions with confidence.
 Other Long
Term Care
Programs
Available:

201 Assisted Living Waiver Program

(ALWP)

201 In-Home Supportive Services

(IHSS)

201Veterans Pension w/ Aid &

Attendance

7
 Assisted Living Waiver Program
The Assisted Living Waiver program gives Medi-Cal eligible adults the
opportunity to live in an approved assisted living facility. It is an alternative for
people who need long term care, but not a nursing home. Assisted living offers
residents more independence, privacy, opportunities for social interaction, and
services more tailored to their needs.

The ALWP is designed to assist Medi-Cal beneficiaries to remain in their community as

an alternative to residing in a licensed health care facility. The program provides specified
benefits to eligible seniors and persons with disabilities. Medi-Cal reimburses for the services
provided to residents enrolled in the ALW, however, the resident is responsible to pay for
their own room and board. For 201, for those with SSI income of $1,1.37, room and board
is $1,0.37 and those with income of $1,1.37 or greater, room and board is $1 ,0.37.

The ALW is an alternative to long-term placement in a nursing facility and is presently

available in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa
Clara, and Sonoma. The ALW is currently enrolling beneficiaries residing in skilled nursing
facilities and in the community, into licensed Residential Care Facilities (RCF) and Public
Subsidized Housing (PSH).

DETERMINING MEDI-CAL ELIGIBILITY

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) eligible individuals are those who are enrolled in Medi-Cal and
meet the level of care provided in a nursing facility due to their medical needs.

WE APPLY FOR THE ASSISTED LIVING WAIVER

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 ϴ

 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

What is In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)?

IHSS is aimed to help Senior’s remain safely in their homes by paying for in home care services
that provide personal care and household assistance. IHSS services often include domestic
chores, personal care, and accompanying clients to medical appointments. Individuals can
either qualify for free in-home care services or may qualify for subsidized services with a share of
cost.
WE APPLY FOR IHSS BENEFITS

Eligibility
In order to qualify individuals must meet three requirements:
First, the applicant must need help in order for them to live safely at home;
Second, the applicant must be blind, or disabled, or be at least 65 years of age; and,
Third, the applicant must qualify under specific financial eligibility guidelines. All individuals
who are recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify.

Financial Guidelines Asset / Income Limits

To participate in the IHSS program, the applicant’s non-
Non-
exempt assets must be below $2,000 for an individual or Exempt Income
Asset
$3,000 for a couple. Exempt property includes the home
you own and in which you live and one automobile Individual $2,000.00 $1,235.00
needed for transportation to medical appointments or
work. Income does not determine eligibility; however,
Married $3,000.00 $1,66.00
having income in excess of the limit would trigger a share
of cost. For those with high income it may not make sense
to apply for In-Home Supportive Services.

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 9

 What are Veteran Aid and Attendance and Housebound
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a benefit paid in addition to monthly pension. This benefit may not be
paid without eligibility to pension. A veteran may be eligible for A&A when:

1. The veteran requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions
required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of
nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of
his/her daily environment
2. The veteran is bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities requires that he/ she
remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment
3. The veteran is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
4. The veteran is blind

What is Death Pension?

Death Pension is a needs based benefit paid to an un-remarried surviving spouse, or an
unmarried child of a deceased wartime veteran.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

You may be eligible if:
• The deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable
conditions, AND

• The deceased veteran served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was
during a war time period (see Page 7 for specific war time dates). If he or she entered active
duty after September 7, 1980, generally he or she must have served at least 24 months or the
full period for which called or ordered to active duty. (There are exceptions to this rule.) ,
AND

• You are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran

WE APPLY FOR VETERANS BENEFITS

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 10

 VA Aid and Attendance Pension Program

This benefit is only available to veterans or their surviving spouses who meet the following criteria:
 An Honorable Discharge from a branch of the U.S.A. Armed Forces (Including Guard)
 At least 90 days of active duty military service.
 At least 1 day of the 90 must be during one of the following periods:

World War I 04/06/1917 - 11/11/1918 Lebanon 08/25/1982 - TBD

World War II 12/07/1941 - 12/31/1946 Grenada 10/25/1983 - 12/15/1983
Korea 06/25/1950 - 01/31/1955 Panama 12/20/1989 - 01/31/1990
Vietnam 08/05/1964 - 05/07/1975 Persian Gulf 08/07/1990-02/28/1991

• Service in the Merchant Marine during WW II counts the same as naval service providing
there was 90 days at sea.
• Women in the WWII military, including nurses, qualify as veterans.
• Reserves and National Guard are not qualified unless they served 90 days active Federal duty
service with 1 day during a period of conflict. Training does not count as active duty.
• The 90 day rule is waived for those who served less than 90 days but were awarded the Purple
Hearts, suffered a service connected disability, or were killed in the line of duty.

VA Aid and Attendance Maximum Veteran with Spouse $2,.00

Monthly Pension Rates for 201 Single Veteran $1,.00
Surviving Spouse $1,1.00

WE APPLY FOR VETERANS BENEFITS

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 11

 Documents :e $ll 1Hed
. Who would manage your finances if you become unable to do so yourself?
. Who would make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself?
. Would you prefer to die a natural death or be kept artificially alive?
. Who would be the guardian of your minor children?
. Who would administer your estate after your death?
. Who would inherit your property upon your death?

These are just a few of the many matters you can control with the right estate planning
documents. Without an estate plan, these and other important decisions will be made by courts,
legal statutes, or individuals who may not be the people you would have selected. These may be
some of the most important decisions in your life. They can affect you significantly if you
become disabled, and affect your loved ones after your death.

How can you avoid this? Avoid the court system by getting proper documents in place.

Documents

Power of Attorney (Financial & Health)

What would happen if you suddenly do become incapacitated- Do you have documents
in place for someone else to handle your health or financial affairs—or documents that
specify who would care for your children?

If not, consider getting powers of attorney documents. A Power of Attorney is a

document granting someone the ability to speak or act for another in matters like
finances, medical or legal issues.

WE CAN PROVIDE FINANCIAL POWERS OF ATTORNEY

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 1Ϯ

 Documents We All Need

Documents

Will

A will allows you to direct who will inherit your property upon your death, and can simplify the
probate process. Furthermore in a will you can *nominate guardians of your minor children.

A will doesn't cover everything. Your will only affects those assets that are titled in your name at
time of death for which there is no designated beneficiary.

If you die without a will, the California laws will determine how your assets are distributed. This
may or may not match your intentions regarding the transfer of assets.

Trust

A trust is an arrangement under which one person, called a trustee, holds legal title to property for
another person, called a beneficiary. You can be the trustee of your own living trust, keeping full
control over all property held in trust. The main advantage of making a living trust is to spare your
family the expense and delay of probate court proceedings after your death.
Some other good reasons to establish a trust beyond probate avoidance:

 Desire for public benefits planning options

 Desire to specify how you will be cared for if disabled
 "Blended" families
 Special needs or disabled family member

WE CAN ANSWER YOUR ESTATE PLANNING QUESTIONS

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE: (877) 773-3535 1ϯ

 HOW WILL I PAY FOR LONG TERM CARE?

Government programs are not always the answer when it comes to paying for Long Term Care. In some
cases the reimbursement isn’t high enough or it simply will not cover the care that is needed.

People are living longer and the cost of Long Term Care is rising, there is a better than average chance that
you or a loved one will need some level of assistance.

Self-insuring gives you the flexibility and freedom when it comes to deciding what type and where you
receive the care.

Insurance will allow you stay at your home, or possibly an assisted living facility, which in many cases will
not be covered by government programs.

If you are interested in learning more about these programs contact QLS and allow them to create a plan
tailored for your LTC needs.

Protect you and your loved ones now.

www.QualityLifeSolutions.com • TOLL FREE (877)773-3535 14

 REASONS TO CALL
QUALITY LIFE SOLUTIONS

Complimentary Medi-Cal Planning and Asset protection

1 Consultation

2 Creating and implementing a plan for Medi-Cal approval

Completion, submission, and processing of your Medi-Cal

3 Application

4 QLS guarantees the approval of Medi-Cal benefits

Since opening our doors, QLS has never had a Long Term Care
5 Medi-Cal case denied

6 In 201, QLS had  Medi-Cal applications approved

7 If hired, QLS will act on your behalf in dealing directly with the
County to answer any questions or concerns

8 QLS has staff to carry out the required Annual

redeterminations

9 We are able to process and submit Veterans Aid & Attendance

applications

10 Services available in all counties in California

15
RATE AND COST INCREASES EFFECTIVE ͷ/1/201;
201 Social Security Rates: See Social Security Administration website: www.ssa.gov
There will be a .2% Cost of Living Increase (COLA) in 2018.

201 Medicare Rate Increases: See Medicare website: www.medicare.gov

MEDICARE PART A
Hospital Deductible (Day 1-60): $1,340.00 (up from $1,316.00)
Coinsurance per day:
Day 61-90: $335.00 (up from $329.00)
Day 91-150: $670.00 (up from $658.00)
All cost for each day beyond 150 days.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coinsurance: $167.50 per day for days 21-100 (up from $164.50)

MEDICARE PART B
Premium per month: $130 - $428.60 (based on income)
Deductible per year: $183.00 (up from $166.00)

201 Medi-Cal Resources Rates:

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): $123,600.00 (Effective 1/1/2018)
Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): $3,090.00 (Effective 1/1/2018)
Average Private Pay Rate (APPR): $8,515.00 (Subject to change 4/1/2018)

SSI Non-Medical Board and Care Rate:

Total Payment: $1,173.37 (up from $1,158.37)
Amount Payable to RCFE for Basic Services: $1,039.37 (up from $1,026.37)
Personal and Incidental Needs Allowance: $134 (up from $132)

Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program:

Individual: $1,235.00 (Effective 4/1/2017)
Couple: $1,664.00 (Effective 4/1/2017)

Compliments of: Quality Life Solutions, Inc.

Receive quick answers to questions regarding Medi-Cal or Veteran’s Benefits
Call Today for more information: 877-773-3535 or 559-441-1121
Quality Life Solutions, Inc.
Call for a Free Consultation
(877) 773-3535
559-411-1121
www.QualityLifeSolutions.com