California’s Medicaid Managed Care Program is called Medi-Cal. The program provides financial assistance and services to seniors who reside in assisted living facilities under one of two waivers: The Assisted Living Waiver and the Multipurpose Senior Services Program.
To be eligible for these waiver programs, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and require daily nursing care. They must also be able to live safely within an assisted living community. Financial eligibility requirements stipulate that individuals may not earn more than $1,242 per month and may not own more than $2,000 in assets. Couples may not earn more than $1,682 per month and may not own more than $3,000 in assets.
Assisted Living Waiver
For those who reside in an assisted living facility, the Assisted Living Waiver is their best chance at receiving Medicaid assistance. This waiver helps seniors who require regular nursing care yet choose to continue living in an assisted living facility. It covers the cost of services in an assisted living facility as well as additional support services such as nonmedical transportation, nurse visits and case management.
To apply for this program, seniors can contact their nearest care coordination agency in person or by telephone.
Multipurpose Senior Services Program
California’s Multipurpose Senior Services program is a waiver program that’s managed under the Medi-Cal Managed Care Program. MSSP was created to decrease the load on the Medicaid system in the state by reducing the number of seniors who require care in nursing homes, which in California are quite expensive. Seniors who participate in this program are generally those who need a nursing level of care but prefer to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility. The program may provide a number of services in addition to assisted living or home care such as nurse visits, occupational or physical therapy, nonmedical transportation and adult companions. The MSSP only accepts 12,000 participants at one time, so there’s usually a waiting list.
To apply for the MSSP, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Care Services at (415) 206-5317.