Assisted Living in California
How much does assisted living cost in California?
In 2020 the average cost for assisted living in California was $4,500 per month. Depending on the region of the state the average monthly cost can range from from $3,175 to $5,850. Marin County, which includes San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Napa, is the most expensive area of the state with a rate of $5,200+. The least expensive assisted living can be found in the cities of Bakersfield, Madera, Merced, Stockton, and Riverside.
How do you qualify for assisted living in California?
California understands that individuals who are qualified for nursing home care can often receive the same level and quality of care in an assisted living residence but at a lower cost. The Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) serves elderly people who need long term care assistance along with personal care and household tasks.
To be eligible to receive services as 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;
- Have care needs equal to those of Medi-Cal-funded residents 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;
- Willing to live in an assisted living setting located in one of the following counties providing 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 counties.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in California?
Most of the time Medicare does not give coverage to handle the costs of assisted living or long-term care. There are some situations where Medicare will cover qualified healthcare costs at a certain facility for the duration needed to live there. Medicare is generally used to cover the cost of home health care of skilled nursing facilities.
Who oversees assisted living facilities in California?
Assisted living facilities in California are licensed, monitored and regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services along with the California Department of Social Services. The California Department of Public Health inspects properties once every five years.
