Medi-Cal is the California Medicaid program that provides affordable health care services to low-income individuals and families. If seniors are deemed eligible, they’ll gain access to a core set of health benefits, which include hospital care, doctor visits and nursing home care. All Medi-Cal health plans must offer essential health benefits, such as outpatient, emergency, laboratory and preventive services, as well as physical therapy and prescription drugs. Seniors with Medi-Cal coverage also receive dental and mental health/substance use disorder services.
To qualify for Medi-Cal, seniors must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of California. They must also meet the program’s income limit, which is currently 138% of the federal poverty level or:
- $16,395 annually for individuals
- $22,108 annually for couples
Vacaville seniors already enrolled in other benefits programs, such as CalFresh, SSI/SSP or CalWorks, are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal. Seniors who don’t meet the income requirements may still qualify using a
share of cost. The share amount is calculated based on an individual’s excess income, and it must be spent on medical bills before receiving Medi-Cal coverage.
Seniors can apply to Medi-Cal in person or online at
CoveredCA or by calling (800) 300-1506. They can also complete a
single streamlined application to apply by mail.
Assisted Living Waiver Medi-Cal doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living, but the
Assisted Living waiver that’s available in 15 California counties may provide some financial aid. This Home and Community-Based Services waiver helps California seniors transition to a community homelike setting, such as an assisted living facility. Although Solano County doesn’t offer the waiver, Vacaville seniors willing to move to a facility in a participating county can still apply.
To qualify, seniors must:
- Be eligible for Medi-Cal without any share of cost
- Demonstrate the ability to live safely in an assisted living facility
- Be assessed with health care needs commensurate with nursing home levels of care
To apply for the waiver, seniors should contact a local
Care Coordination Agency to schedule an assessment.