Medicaid provides 25% of California residents with access to basic health care services, including long-term care for seniors, using funds provided by the state and federal governments.
California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income payments are automatically registered in Medi-Cal, while all other applicants must meet income and asset limits.
To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, seniors 65 and older can earn a maximum of $1,242 a month and own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets. Seniors applying with a spouse can earn a combined maximum of $1,682 and own no more than $3,000 in countable assets.
Income from all sources is considered under Medi-Cal rules, however, some assets are exempt such as personal effects, one vehicle and a home that’s the principle residence of the applicant. Unlike other states, California doesn’t have a maximum allowable value for homes to be considered exempt.
For more information or to apply for Medi-Cal, visit a County of San Mateo Human Services office in person or call (800) 223-8383.
Assisted Living Waiver
Seniors who qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage with no share of cost requirement and have care needs that would normally require placement in a nursing home may qualify for the Assisted Living waiver.
This home and community-based services Medicaid waiver is designed to reduce the number of low-income seniors in nursing homes by providing additional supports within an assisted living setting. To qualify, seniors must be screened for eligibility by a registered nurse through their local care coordinator agency.
If a senior is accepted into the ALW program, they must be willing to live in a state-designated participating facility. Once placed, seniors may be provided with personal care services, physical therapy, homemaker services, medication management, skilled nursing and other supports deemed medically necessary.
For more information about the ALW program, contact the local San Mateo County care coordination agency at (650) 285-6432.