Seniors living in Moreno Valley may be able to receive financial assistance with the cost of assisted living and other types of care from Medi-Cal, which is the state’s Medicaid program. Medi-Cal covers the cost of necessary healthcare services for low-income residents of California, including disabled persons, individuals with specific diseases (such as HIV/AIDS or breast cancer) and senior citizens. Medi-Cal programs are equally funded by the state of California and the federal government.
Medi-Cal participants receive coverage for a range of services, including doctor visits, emergency care, dental care, diagnostic testing and prescription medications. Under the standard state plan, seniors are also eligible to receive coverage for the cost of care while living in a nursing care facility, provided they submit to a full assessment and are determined to require a nursing level of care. Other levels, such as assisted living, can be covered under separate waiver programs.
To qualify for the state Medi-Cal program, or any waiver programs, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and determined to require long-term care after receiving a full care assessment. Financial requirements for Medi-Cal stipulate that applicants may not have an income higher than $1,242 per month when applying as an individual, while married applicants may not have an income higher than $1,682 per month. Asset limitations are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, and they exclude the applicant’s home, household furnishings and personal belongings.
To apply for Medi-Cal, seniors can call (800) 300-1506 or apply online.
Assisted Living Waiver
For low-income seniors who are Medi-Cal eligible and reside in assisted living facilities, the Assisted Living Waiver exists to provide financial assistance with the cost of care. Additional services may be covered under this waiver depending on the senior’s specific needs, including necessary medical equipment and transportation services. The cost of room and board is not covered by Medi-Cal.
To apply for the Assisted Living Waiver, seniors can contact the Institute on Aging at (408) 474-0679. They can also apply in person by visiting a Care Coordination Agency in the Moreno Valley or Riverside area.
Multipurpose Senior Services Program
Seniors who require a nursing level of care, yet prefer to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility, may be eligible to receive financial assistance under the Multipurpose Senior Services Program, which is California’s home- and community-based services Medicaid waiver. This program covers the cost of care and support services including assisted living, nurse visits, home health care and homemaker services. This program only accepts 12,000 participants at one time, which often results in a lengthy waiting list. As a result, seniors are often reassessed annually.
To learn more about waiting list times or the application process, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Services at (866) 262-9881.