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 belonging to the spouse or parent of the waiver person to be exempted or “waived”.
The special waiver rules (that exempt the income of your spouse or parent) will apply only if you have too much income for free Medi-Cal (eligible with a Share-of-Cost).
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.
Currently, all California residents who meet eligibility requirements receive full scope Medi-Cal benefits regardless of immigration status.
Beginning January 1, 2026, adults 19 years and older with an unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS), that apply on or after January 1, 2026, will receive restricted Medi-Cal, if eligibility criteria is met.
Beneficiaries with UIS who applied for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, and were found eligible, will continue receiving Full-Scope Medi-Cal from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. Starting on July 1, 2026, they will transition to Full-Scope Medi-Cal with No Dental. All primary care services and medications will remain covered, except dental services.
Children (0–18) and pregnant persons remain eligible to apply for full-scope MC regardless of immigration status.
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.
