STATE PROFILE • Last updated: November 11, 2026
California Elder Care & Medicaid
California's Medi-Cal program for seniors in 2026 features reinstated asset limits and a Medically Needy pathway, offering home and community-based services through key waivers like the Assisted Living Waiver and Multipurpose Senior Services Program.
leaderboard
RANKED #18
GRADE B
FEATURED
Medicaid Coverage Guide for California
Full breakdown of Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver for seniors: waiver programs, nursing home eligibility, income and asset limits, spend-down rules, and how to apply.
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Program
Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver
Income cap
No cap
Medically-needy
Yes
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
B
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
GRADE F · 33
QUALITY
GRADE B · 58
STAFFING
GRADE B · 55
ACCESS
GRADE B · 49
MEDICAID SUPPORT
GRADE A · 51
Composite score: 62.2 / 100 (50 = average state)
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California At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
1,162
Senior Medicaid Waivers
2
National Rank
#18 / 51
Range #11–#24 when the pillar weights shift
Senior Care Costs in California
local_hospital
Nursing Home
$12,046/mo
+9.1% vs national avg
- 1162 nursing homes · 114,992 beds
- Avg CMS rating 3.15★ (280 rated 5★, 188 rated 1★)
- 4.51 nurse hrs/resident/day (0.65 RN)
Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare
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home_health
Home Health Aide
$36/hr
+33.3% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $16.64/hr
- ~875,110 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS
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