In California, the federal and state health insurance program for low-income individuals is called Medi-Cal. The following low-income residents may be eligible:
- Seniors age 65 and over
- Families with children
- Foster children
- Pregnant women
- People with disabilities
To qualify, individuals should meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Earn less than $16,395 (individuals) or $22,108 (married couples) in annual income and have a maximum of $2,000 (individuals) or $3,000 (married couples) in assets, not including one’s home, primary vehicle or furnishings
- Live in a nursing home or intermediate care facility due to disability
- Require breast or cervical cancer treatment as determined by proper medical screening
- Be enrolled in a refugee assistance program
Medi-Cal recipients are eligible to receive free or low-cost essential health benefits, including:
- Hospitalization and emergency services
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription drugs and laboratory services
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Chronic disease management
- Maternity care
An
online application is available that should take approximately 30 minutes for individuals to complete. Seniors can also apply for Medi-Cal over the phone at (800) 300-1506 or in-person at a
nearby storefront, such as Nelson Costa, 2853 Geer Road, Suite D in Turlock.
Assisted Living Waiver
A Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver known as the
Assisted Living waiver may be available to Turlock residents. To participate in the ALW, Turlock seniors must require nursing facility-level care and be willing and able to move to an assisted living facility in one of the covered counties. The closest covered counties include Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara.
The ALW helps Medi-Cal eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities transition from nursing facilities to assisted living communities. By providing assistance to meet recipients’ care needs, the program strives to help members continue living in these home-like settings long-term.
Benefits of the program include:
- Care coordination from a Care Coordination Agency with semi-annual assessments of care provided by a registered nurse
- Creation and implementation of an individualized service plan
- Assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing
- Meals, transportation and medication administration
- Skilled nursing as required
Turlock residents interested in enrolling should contact a
nearby Care Coordination Agency, such as the Santa Clara County Institute on Aging, at (408) 474-0679.