STATE PROFILE • Last updated: April 23, 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 C
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
$1,836/mo
Medically-needy
Yes
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
C
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
MODERATE
QUALITY
MODERATE
STAFFING
CRITICAL
ACCESS
CRITICAL
MEDICAID SUPPORT
STRONG
Composite score: 51.5 / 100
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California At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
1,162
Senior Medicaid Waivers
2
National Rank
#18 / 51
Senior Care Costs in California
holiday_village
Assisted Living
$5,250/mo
+14.4% vs national avg
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
psychology
Memory Care
$6,563/mo
+14.4% vs national avg
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Home Health Aide
$36/hr
+33.3% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $16.64/hr
- ~875,110 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS