Established in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicaid offers medical insurance to low-income people. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and each state tailors its Medicaid program to serve its residents.
California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, has over 10.5 million enrollees. It serves seniors, families with children, pregnant women and other eligible Californians. Some of the core benefits provided by Medi-Cal include:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Mental health services
- Laboratory services
- Preventive services
Whittier seniors may
qualify for Medi-Cal if they:
- Are 64 years of age or older
- Are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or eligible immigrants
- Earn less than $16,612 per year ($22,491 for couples)
- Own less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples)
While this asset limit is low, a number of
assets are exempt. A primary home, household items, recreational items, personal effects and one car aren’t counted toward the limit. Real estate and personal property used for business purposes are also exempt.
Seniors who earn more than the Medi-Cal income limit may be eligible for a
share of cost, which requires that a set amount of monthly income is spent on medical bills before Medi-Cal kicks in.
Seniors can apply for coverage on the
Covered California website. Those who prefer to
apply in person can enroll at
KCAL Health Insurance Services, located at 2148 S Hacienda Blvd. in Hacienda Heights or call (626) 855-8288 for assistance.
For more information or to apply by phone, call the
Covered California service center at (800) 300-1506. Seniors can also get answers to Medi-Cal questions through the state’s
live chat service.
In addition to core benefits, Medi-Cal offers a number of home and community-based services waivers, including one for
assisted living.
Assisted Living Waiver This Medicaid waiver program may help Whittier seniors pay for assisted living care. The waiver doesn’t pay for room and board, but it covers a wide variety of
assisted living services, including:
- Personal care and supportive services
- Skilled nursing and other health-related services
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Three nutritious meals per day
- Daily recreational activities
- Transportation
- Transitional services
The ALW also includes a care coordination benefit, which provides seniors with the services of a care coordinator who identifies their needs and organizes service delivery.
The waiver is only available to seniors who have full Medi-Cal coverage with no share of cost. Applicants must also have care needs normally met in a nursing home and be willing to receive services in an assisted living facility.
Enrollment in the ALW program is handled by Care Coordination Agencies, including Archangel Home Health, located at 16446 Woodruff Ave., Ste. A, in Bellflower. To learn more or apply,
call
Archangel Home Health at (562) 861-7047 or Covered California at (800) 300-1506.