California Assisted Living Waiver

The California Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program developed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). It aims to test the effectiveness of assisted living as a Medi-Cal benefit, offering a valuable alternative for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Initially launched as a pilot program in three counties, the ALW showed positive results and, in March 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved its renewal and expansion. The program was further renewed in March 2014 for an additional five years.

Eligibility Criteria for the ALW:

To qualify for the ALW, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility with zero share of cost.
• Have care needs comparable to those of residents receiving Medi-Cal-funded care in nursing facilities.
• Be willing to live in an assisted living setting as an alternative to a nursing facility.
• Be able to reside safely in an assisted living facility or public subsidized housing.
• Live in one of the counties offering ALW services: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma.

Goals of the ALW:

1. Safe Transition: Facilitate the safe and timely transition of Medi-Cal eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities from nursing facilities to community-based settings, such as Residential Care Facilities (RCF), Adult Residential Care Facilities (ARF), or public subsidized housing.

2. Community Living Support: Offer individuals living in the community, who are at risk of institutionalization, the option to receive ALW services to create a personalized care plan while continuing to live in an RCF, ARF, or subsidized housing.

At Clear Path Care Solutions, we are committed to helping families navigate the California Assisted Living Waiver program to ensure their loved ones receive the best care possible while remaining in a comfortable and supportive environment.