In California, Medicaid is known as Medi-Cal. It’s available to low-income Californians, including families with children, pregnant women, disabled people and senior citizens. Medi-Cal is administered by the state and operates within parameters set forth by the federal government. The program is jointly funded by both parties.
The services covered by Medi-Cal are vast but may include physician services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory tests, nursing home care and prescription medications. For those residing in assisted living facilities, additional Medi-Cal funding can be obtained through the Assisted Living waiver, which is detailed below.
To qualify for the state Medi-Cal plan as an elderly person, applicants need to be at least 65 years of age and meet the following financial requirements:
- Individuals may have a maximum income of $1,242 per month and up to $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couples applying together may have a maximum income of $1,682 per month and up to $3,000 in countable assets
Exemptions include the applicant’s home, provided they or their spouse continue to live in it, as well as one vehicle and personal belongings, such as household furnishings and clothing.
To apply for the state Medi-Cal plan, seniors can fill out on application online or call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 for assistance.
Assisted Living Waiver
Low-income senior citizens or disabled persons who require care in an assisted living facility may qualify to have the cost of their care covered under the Assisted Living waiver. In addition to the cost of assisted living care, this waiver also covers other services, such as care coordination and transitional services for those who are moving from a nursing home into an assisted living facility. Unfortunately, the waiver doesn’t cover the cost of room and board.
To qualify for the Assisted Living waiver, seniors must require assistance with at least two activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating or toileting. Additionally, applicants must be financially eligible for Medi-Cal.
To apply for this waiver, seniors can contact Access TLC Home Health Care at (800) 852-9887 or a Care Coordinator Agency in the Los Angeles County.