Many older adults and people with functional needs or disabilities require stable housing with supportive care to maintain their health and independence. Assisted living communities offer a promising alternative to institutional care, such as nursing facilities, by providing supportive care in home-like environments, often at lower costs.
While assisted living is primarily paid for out-of-pocket or through private insurance, several pathways exist for Medi‑Cal enrollees to receive financial support for care in these settings, including through California’s assisted living waiver, CalAIM Community Supports, county behavioral health and mental health plans, Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and hospital contracts. However, the use of assisted living for Medi-Cal enrollees remains limited and has not reached its full potential.
The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), with support from the California Health Care Foundation, is hosting this five‑part virtual learning series focused on strengthening cross-sector partnerships to improve appropriate, timely, and effective use of assisted living communities for Medi-Cal enrollees, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health needs.
Webinars include:
- The Untapped Potential of Assisted Living in Addressing the Housing and Care Needs of Medi-Cal Enrollees
May 20, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT – This session will an overview of California’s assisted living landscape — including types of facilities, resident characteristics, and services provided — and examine how this setting fits into the broader care and housing continuum for Medi-Cal enrollees. It will also highlight common pathways to access and finance assisted living and identified key opportunities to expand the use of assisted living services. - Who Thrives in Assisted Living? Strategies for Effective Cross-Setting Assessments
June 17, 9:00 am – 10:30 am PT – This session will focus on the initial stages of assessment prior to referral into assisted living. Speakers will explore the barriers and opportunities to appropriately diverting and/or transitioning Medi-Cal enrollees into assisted living settings. It will also include an overview of the current and potential role of various stakeholders in this stage. - Navigating Assisted Living Entry: Strengthening Referral Partnerships for Successful Transitions
July (date/time TBD), details to follow. - Sustained Support: Continued Partnership to Ensure Resident Well-Being
August (date/time TBD), details to follow. - Assisted Living for Medi-Cal Enrollees: What Comes Next?
September (date/time TBD), details to follow.
Managed care plan staff, enhanced care management and Community Supports providers, assisted living waiver care coordination agencies, county behavioral health and mental health plan providers, assisted living operators and providers, hospital and skilled nursing facility providers, and social service providers, among other interested stakeholders, are encouraged to attend the series.
To be notified about upcoming webinars in the series, sign up for CHCS email updates.
