California · Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
Medicaid for Nursing Homes in California (2026)
Medicaid in California can pay for skilled nursing home care — including room, board, and medical services — when applicants meet financial limits and nursing-facility level-of-care requirements. Use our free screener below, then verify details with Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) caseworkers.
State helpline: 1-800-434-0222
Medicaid Nursing Home Requirements in California
Income limit
~$1,737/mo
Asset limit (individual)
~$2,000
Look-back period
60 months
Program
Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
- Medicaid in California covers skilled nursing facility room, board, and care for eligible residents — unlike assisted living, where housing is usually private pay.
- Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) requires financial eligibility and a clinical level-of-care determination (typically nursing-facility level).
- Countable assets must generally be at or below $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for couples) — with spousal impoverishment protections in many cases.
- Transfers of assets during the 60-month look-back period may trigger a penalty period before Medicaid nursing home coverage begins.
How to apply for nursing home Medicaid
- Gather financial documents: bank statements, property deeds, income verification, and insurance policies.
- Apply for California Medicaid through your county or state human services office (many states offer online applications).
- Complete a level-of-care assessment — California must confirm nursing-facility or waiver-level need.
- Choose a Medicaid-certified nursing home that accepts Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) residents.
- Call California ADRC/Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-434-0222 for free application help.
Federal Medicaid rules allow states to seek estate recovery for nursing home costs paid after age 55. A primary home may be protected while a spouse or dependent lives there — verify current California rules with an elder law attorney.
Compare CMS nursing home star ratings in Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco before choosing a Medicaid-certified facility.
No phone number required. This screening tool is 100% free and private. Results are educational only — not legal or financial advice.
Assisted living & waiver programs
Nursing home Medicaid covers room and board in skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living is different — Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) may cover care services in participating waiver settings, but housing is often private pay.
- • Medi-Cal has stricter income limits than many states for full coverage.
- • The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) covers care in participating facilities in select counties.
- • ALW has enrollment caps and waitlists — not all counties participate.
California Medicaid Nursing Home FAQs
Does Medicaid pay for nursing homes in California?▾
Yes — California Medicaid (Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)) covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible residents, including room and board when clinical and financial criteria are met. This differs from assisted living, where housing is typically private pay. Contact California ADRC at 1-800-434-0222 for application help.
What is the Medicaid nursing home income limit in California?▾
The typical individual income screening limit for California Medicaid long-term care is approximately $1,737/month. Limits are updated annually — confirm with your state Medicaid office before applying.
What is the Medicaid nursing home asset limit in California?▾
Countable assets are generally limited to about $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple in California. A primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are often excluded. Spousal impoverishment rules may allow a community spouse to keep additional assets.
What is the Medicaid look-back period in California?▾
California follows the federal 60-month Medicaid look-back period. Asset transfers below fair market value during this window may trigger a penalty period before nursing home Medicaid coverage begins. Consult an elder law attorney before gifting property or restructuring assets.
How do I qualify for Medicaid nursing home care in California?▾
You must meet three pillars: (1) income at or below ~$1,737/mo, (2) countable assets within limits, and (3) a state-approved level-of-care assessment confirming nursing-facility need. Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) requires financial eligibility and a clinical level-of-care determination (typically nursing-facility level).
How do I apply for Medicaid nursing home in California?▾
Gather financial documents: bank statements, property deeds, income verification, and insurance policies. Apply for California Medicaid through your county or state human services office (many states offer online applications). Complete a level-of-care assessment — California must confirm nursing-facility or waiver-level need. Choose a Medicaid-certified nursing home that accepts Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) residents. Call California ADRC/Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-434-0222 for free application help.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in California?▾
Medi-Cal / Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) may cover care services in participating assisted living or waiver settings, but room and board is often still private pay. Use our checker above for a preliminary screening — nursing home Medicaid has broader room-and-board coverage.
Does Medi-Cal pay for assisted living in California?▾
Medi-Cal does not typically cover standard assisted living room and board. The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) may cover care in participating RCFEs in select counties, but enrollment caps and waitlists apply.
Which California counties have the Assisted Living Waiver?▾
ALW participation varies by county and changes over time. Contact the California Department of Aging or your county Medi-Cal office to confirm whether ALW slots are available in your area.
What assets count for Medi-Cal nursing home eligibility?▾
Medi-Cal generally counts bank accounts, investments, and non-exempt property toward asset limits. A primary home may be exempt if certain conditions are met. Spousal protections apply when one spouse remains in the community.