Long Term Care

Long-Term Care Medi-Cal pays for care received in a hospital or nursing facility which lasts or is expected to last at least one full calendar month after the month of admission. If you reside in a nursing home (also known as long-term care facility) or need nursing home care, Medi-Cal could pay for all or part of the care and services you receive.

Covered Services

Nursing Home and Convalescent Care
Comprehensive Preventive Care
Primary and Specialty Care
Office Visits
Vision and Dental Care
Mental Health Services
Hospitalization
Prescription Medicines

Basic Eligibility Requirements

You must reside in California.
You must provide verification of income and any other necessary information if requested.
Starting January 1, 2024, assets such as bank accounts, a second vehicle, and homes, are no longer counted when determining LTC eligibility. However, individuals applying for LTC services may be required to provide asset verification if, within the past 30 months, assets were transferred for an amount less than the fair market value.

Additional information on Property limitations

You must be receiving or expected to receive care for at least 30 days after the month of admission in a:
- Hospital
- Skilled Nursing Facility
- Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
- Convalescent Home

Income Requirements

Single Person:

There is no income limit, but most of your income will be used to pay the nursing facility where you reside.

Married Persons or RDP:

Special rules may apply that allow the spouse/RDP at home to keep additional income that belongs to the person in Long-Term Care

Estate Recovery

Estate Recovery applies to individuals who receive Lont-Term Care Medi-Cal.

Click Estate Recovery Program for more information.

Citizenship/Immigration Requirements

As of January 1, 2024, a new law in California gives full Medi-Cal to all Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal. Unlike before, immigration status does not matter. This new law means that all California residents who qualify for Medi-Cal will receive full Medi-Cal benefits, including long-term care services, bringing us closer to a Healthy California for All.

Renewal Requirements

Your Medi-Cal eligibility must be reviewed at least once a year.

Apply On-Line with BenefitsCal

The easiest and quickest way is to apply online at BenefitsCal.

Apply By Phone

You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.

Apply In Person

You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.

Find the LA County services and facilities that serve your area

Applicants for Long-Term Care must answer “Yes” to the question “Do you need help with long-term care or home and community-based services?” on the application.

If you are residing in a Nursing Facility: Applications are available at most Nursing Homes throughout Los Angeles County.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a single person, eligible to Long-Term Care Medi-Cal and reside in a nursing home, you may keep $35 from your income for personal expenses plus any Medicare or insurance premiums (medical, dental, etc.) The remainder of your income will be used to pay the nursing home or Long-Term Care facility.

If you are married or in a registered domestic partnership, eligible to Long-Term Care Medi-Cal and reside in a nursing facility while your spouse/RDP lives at home, you can designate some or all your income to your spouse/RDP at home. The amount you can designate depends on the income of your spouse/RDP. For more details on how much income you can designate to your spouse/RDP at home, please ask your eligibility worker.

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