California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal, and it pays for a variety of medical services for low-income California residents of all ages. Medi-Cal is an umbrella program made up of numerous smaller programs which are focused on specific demographic groups, such as children, the disabled and the elderly. It provides services including preventative medical care, mental health care, personal care, prescription assistance and nursing home care to eligible residents. To qualify, an applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
- Reside in California
- Be either pregnant, blind, disabled (or caring for someone disabled) or over 65 years old
- Have a yearly income under $16,395 for an individual or $22,108 for a couple
For more information about Medi-Cal, visit the
Apply for Medi-Cal page or call the
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services at (877) 410-8827.
Assisted Living Waiver Several of the programs under the Medi-Cal umbrella offer assistance with long-term care for seniors. The
Assisted Living Waiver program helps individuals who are eligible for nursing home care but prefer to live in an assisted living facility. It offers participants a broad range of services, including help with personal care, meals, recreational activities and housekeeping services. The waiver does not cover room-and-board costs.
To be eligible for the waiver, applicants must:
- Be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal with zero share of cost
- Be at least 21 years old
- Require a level of care provided by a nursing home but be able to function safely in an assisted living facility
- Have a monthly income of no more than $1,242 for an individual or $1,682 for a couple
- Have countable assets that do not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple (a primary home, vehicle and personal items are exempt from this requirement)
Not all assisted living facilities participate in the program, and there may be a waiting list. Contact the
Riverside County Office on Aging at (800) 510-2020 or visit the
California Department of Health Care Services website for more information on participating facilities and how to apply.