Assisted Living Waiver
The ALW provides a community-based alternative to nursing home care for those who have extensive care needs but want to live in an assisted living facility. This program is open to all California residents. However, to have services covered, participants must live in an assisted living facility that accepts reimbursement from Medi-Cal. Currently, long-term placement is available in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma. Additionally, the ALW doesn’t cover room and board, but costs are controlled for those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income.
To determine eligibility for the ALW, individuals undergo an assessment that evaluates their care needs. This assessment, which individuals schedule through their local Care Coordination Agency, is conducted by a registered nurse. To apply for this program, seniors call their local agency for a pre-assessment over the phone and schedule an appointment for the actual assessment.