Medi-Cal is the state Medicaid plan offered to low-income individuals and families throughout California. It provides health insurance to those who aren’t able to afford it and aims to ensure that all Californians have access to safe health care services. Some of the costs Medi-Cal covers include hospitalization, doctor and dentist services, medical devices, prescription medications, transportation and nursing home care.
To qualify for the state plan as a senior citizen, applicants must be 65 years of age or older. Single applicants may not have an income exceeding $1,242 per month or assets exceeding a value of $2,000. Married applicants applying together are allowed an income of up to $1,682 per month and $3,000 in countable assets. Exempt assets include the applicant’s home, a single vehicle and personal belongings.
To apply for Medi-Cal, seniors can complete an application online or call (800) 300-1506.
While the state Medi-Cal plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living services, seniors can apply for coverage under one of the state’s two waiver programs.
Assisted Living Waiver
The Assisted Living waiver is available to low-income seniors who reside in assisted living facilities that qualify for financial aid programs. The waiver covers expenses, including the cost of care, medical treatment, dental care and nonmedical transportation. Seniors are responsible for paying the cost of room and board out of their own pocket.
Financial eligibility requirements are the same as the state Medi-Cal plan. Additionally, seniors must be willing to live in an assisted living facility as opposed to a nursing home, qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating or toileting.
To apply, seniors can contact the Institute on Aging at (408) 474-0679 or any Care Coordinator Agency in the Riverside County area.
Multipurpose Senior Services Program
The Multipurpose Senior Services program provides assistance to seniors who choose to reside either at home or in assisted living facilities yet require a nursing home level of care. This program exists to reduce the number of seniors living in nursing home facilities throughout the state. It covers the costs of a variety of services, including personal care, nurse visits, occupational and physical therapy and transportation.
This program has the same financial requirements as the Medi-Cal state plan. This program is only open to 12,000 participants, so waiting lists are typically long and seniors may be required to submit to annual reassessments.
To apply or to inquire about the wait list and the application process, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Services at (800) 541-5555.