Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program and offers free and low-cost health care services to eligible people living throughout the state. Services provided include the following essential health benefits:
- Emergency services and hospitalization
- Doctors visits and outpatient care
- Preventative, wellness and rehabilitative services
- Chronic disease management
- Prescription drugs
- Mental and behavioral health services, including treatment for substance use disorders
Adults over age 18 may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is equal to or below the specified limits. For individuals, the annual income limit is $16,395, and for married couples, it’s $22,108.
Seniors may also be eligible if they’re:
- Blind, disabled or at least 65 years old
- Residing in a skilled nursing facility
- Single with a monthly income of less than $1,242 and assets less than $2,000
- Married with a monthly income of less than $1,682 and assets less than $3,000
- Diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer upon official screening
- On refugee status or participating in a refugee assistance program
- A Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment recipient
- The caretaker for a child under age 21 whose parent is deceased or unable to serve as the primary caregiver due to limited or no employment or incapacity
San Juan Capistrano residents can apply for Medi-Cal
online, over the phone at (800) 300-1506 or
in person at a nearby enrollment center, such as the CHEC Family Resource Center at 27412 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.
Within Medi-Cal, an additional program exists for seniors and people with disabilities who would like to live in an assisted living facility.
Assisted Living Waiver
The
Assisted Living waiver is a Medi-Cal program created to help lessen the need for skilled nursing home care among elderly and disabled individuals. As Orange County residents, seniors in San Juan Capistrano may be eligible to participate if they are:
- Fully qualified for Medi-Cal
- Willing and able to live in an assisted living or subsidized housing facility
- In need of skilled nursing level care equivalent to Medi-Cal enrolled nursing home residents
The ALW is not an entitlement program, so qualified seniors may be placed on a waiting list before receiving services. Those who are enrolled, however, can expect benefits including:
- Care coordination and an individualized service plan
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, feeding and dressing
- Medication assistance and transportation services
- Facilitated recreational activities
- Laundry and housekeeping assistance
- Access to three meals per day with snacks
San Juan Capistrano seniors interested in the ALW program should call their local Care Coordination Agency to speak with a registered nurse about an assessment. For Orange County residents, this is Access TLC Home Health Care at (818) 551-1900.