To be eligible
To be eligible an ALW Participant, an individual must meet all of the following ALW eligibility criteria:
• Age 21 or older;
• Have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility with zero share of cost; **If you have a Share of Cost (SOC), contact your local Medi-Cal office or an outside agency for assistance.
• Have care needs equal to those of Medi-Cal-funded resident living and receiving care in Nursing Facilities;
• Willing to live in an assisted living setting as an alternative to a Nursing Facility;
• Able to reside safely in an assisted living facility or public subsidized housing;
• Ability and willingness to pay the rental fee charged by ALW facility (through social security or another form of income)
• Willing to live in an assisted living setting located in one of the 15 counties providing ALW services.
How much it will cost me?
Participants are required to pay the ALW Room & Board Rate to Assisted Living Facility each month.
ALW Room & Board Rate as of January 2024 is $1,398.07 per month.
Room & Board cost is determined each year based on the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) published maximum SSI benefits available to beneficiaries in different living arrangements. Most ALW participants use their Social Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) to pay for rent.
Can I apply with Share of cost?
Yes. You will be placed on a waitlist until you provide proof of Medi-Cal membership with no SHARE of COST.
What are prohibited health conditions for waiver housing?
Under California Code Regulations and Title 22, § 80091 clients who require health services and/or have a health condition including, but not limited to, those specified below shall not be admitted or retained in a Community Care Facility (CCF).
-Feeding Tube
-Active, communicable TB
-Conditions that require 24-hour nursing care and/or monitoring
-Stage 3 and 4 dermal ulcers
Any other condition or care requirements which would require the facility to be licensed as a health facility as defined by Sections 1202 and 1250 of the Health and Safety Code
Is it possible for individuals to select their own facility?
Yes. The facility must be on the approved waiver list and confirmed they can accommodate the care level before admission.
What are the estimated wait times?
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Time until assessment: Approximately 30 days
Community: Anywhere at home, with family of friends, apartment, RCFE or ARF
Time until assessment: 8-12 months
Skilled Nursing Facility or Hospital
Time until assessment: 45-day admission. (Continuous healthcare stay)