The ALWP is designed to assist Medi-Cal beneficiaries to remain in their community as an alternative to care in a licensed health care facility. The program provides specified benefits to eligible seniors and person with disabilities. Medi-Cal reimburses for the services provided to residents enrolled in the ALWP. However, depending on individual’s income, the resident is responsible to pay for their room and board. For those with income of $1,122.00 room and board is $1,003.00 and those with income of $1,142 or greater, room and board is $1,023.00.

The ALWP is an alternative to long-term placement in a nursing facility and is presently available in the following counties: Sacramento, San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Bernardino and Riverside. The ALW is currently enrolling beneficiaries residing in skilled nursing facilities and in the community into licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and Public Subsidized Housing (PSH).

Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) eligible individuals are those who are enrolled in Medi-Cal, are low income, i.e. SSI/SS, and meet the level of care provided in a nursing facility due to their medical needs. For those who currently are not on Medi-Cal, you may apply for Medi-Cal benefits through your local county office. Please note, the state does not determine eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits this is done at the county level. Also for those with Medi-Cal benefits that include a share of cost (SOC), you may not be enrolled in the ALWP. Please contact your local county office to obtain information how to apply for Medi-Cal benefits.

Determination of care needs is done by registered nurses (RN) employed by The Caring Connection, Inc., a Care Coordination Agency (CCA). A pre-screening "assessment" will be completed by the applicant or done over the phone with a Care Coordinator before an appointment is set up for the actual RN assessment.


Learn more about the Assisted Living Waiver Program.