If Your Senior Loved One Runs Out of Money for Assisted Living, Can Medi-Cal Help?

 

Many families in the Bay Area wonder: “If my parent or loved one runs out of money for assisted living, can Medi-Cal help pay for care? Do we have to sell the house?” This guide is designed to provide informational resources for families considering assisted living options and Medi-Cal eligibility in California.

At Bay Area Senior Care Placement, we help families explore senior living options and provide Mom & Dad Check-In Services — daily or weekly visits to loved ones in their homes, assisted living, or nursing facilities to ensure safety and well-being. While we provide resources and guidance, we do not offer Medi-Cal consulting or financial advice.

1) How Medi-Cal Can Support Assisted Living

  • Assisted Living Waiver (ALW): California offers an ALW that may cover care services in approved Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) or Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs). This typically includes personal care, homemaker services, and health-related support. Note: room and board costs are usually not covered.

  • Other Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS): Some Medi-Cal waivers can provide support for care at home or in assisted-living settings, depending on eligibility and county availability.

  • Eligibility Varies: Medi-Cal is not automatic. Coverage depends on medical necessity, program enrollment, facility participation, and county regulations.

2) Understanding Income, Assets, and Eligibility

  • Medi-Cal has income limits, and most applicants must contribute their monthly income toward care.

  • Asset rules have changed in California: as of 2024, many asset limits were removed, but new limits will take effect in 2026, so families should verify eligibility with their county Medi-Cal office.

  • Your home is generally exempt while your loved one is alive, but it may be considered for estate recovery after death, with exceptions for surviving spouses, minor children, or disabled children.

3) Do Families Have to Sell the House?

  • Generally, no — your primary home is typically protected for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes while the person is alive.

  • Estate recovery may affect the home after death unless protections apply.

4) Practical Steps for Families

Even though we do not provide Medi-Cal consulting, families can take these informational steps:

  1. Research local assisted living options in the Bay Area and check facility participation in Medi-Cal programs.

  2. Document income and assets before applying for Medi-Cal.

  3. Understand program waitlists and availability — many ALW slots are limited.

  4. Plan for additional support — you may want daily or weekly check-ins to monitor your loved one’s safety and well-being.

5) How Bay Area Senior Care Placement Can Help

At Bay Area Senior Care Placement, we provide:

  • Senior Living Resources: We help families find assisted living, memory care, or independent living facilities in the East Bay and Peninsula areas.

  • Mom & Dad Check-In Services: Our team visits your loved one in their home, assisted living, or nursing facility to provide detailed reports to family members.

Families looking for safe, reliable senior care resources in the Bay Area can learn more by visiting our website:

Website: www.BayAreaSeniorCarePlacement.com
Phone: 510-320-3563

6) Key Takeaways

  • Medi-Cal can help cover certain care services in assisted living, but families usually pay for room and board.

  • Your loved one’s home is generally exempt while they are alive, though estate recovery rules may apply after death.

  • Eligibility rules are changing in 2026 — always confirm current requirements with county Medi-Cal offices.

  • Bay Area families can explore senior living options and stay connected to their loved ones through our services.

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