California has the same thing if you receive MediCal after age 55
...
Doesn’t the estate claim basically effect only people who are receiving permanent care for the rest of their lives?
My understanding is ANY Medi-Cal benefits paid after age 55 are subject to the State seeking reimbursement/recovery, see below from the link I put up earlier.
III. What Happens After I Die If I Received Medi-Cal?
After the Medi-Cal beneficiary’s death, the State can make a claim against the estate of an individual who was 55 years of age or older at the time he or she received Medi-Cal benefits or who (at any age) received benefits in a nursing home, unless there is a surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, or a minor, blind or disabled child. Thus, if there are any assets left in the estate of the deceased beneficiary, Medi-Cal will seek to be reimbursed for benefits paid. It is important to note that, even if you received Medi-Cal at home, any benefits paid while you were 55 years of age or older will be subject to Medi-Cal recovery.
In my state (WA), the state attempts to recover ONLY long-term (in-facility) care costs, not the value of all the assorted Medicaid claims or the premium costs.