The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs serve persons with disabilities who live at home or in non-medical facilities (like Assisted Living or Board and Care facilities) instead of a nursing home (a.k.a. long-term care facility). The HCBS waivers use special Medi-Cal eligibility rules (waiver rules), that allow the income and property belonging to the spouse or parent of the waiver person to be exempted or “waived”.
The special waiver rules (that exempt the income and/or property of your spouse or parent) will apply only if you have too much income for free Medi-Cal (eligible with a Share-of-Cost) or if you are not eligible to Medi-Cal due to property.
Your worker can provide you with more information regarding which program is more beneficial to you.
There is no income limit and only your income will be used to determine your eligibility and Share-of-Cost if any.
You must be a citizen or have satisfactory immigration status to participate in an HCBS program.
Effective May 1, 2022, adults age 50 or older may be eligible for Full-Scope Medi-Cal benefits and participate in an HCBS program regardless of their immigration status, if all other eligibility requirements are met.
Your Medi-Cal eligibility must be renewed at least once a year.
Contact the Department of Health Care Services In-Home Operations Southern California information line at: (213) 897-6774
The HCBS agency will forward a Medi-Cal application to the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) on your behalf.
