Any assets that applicants gift or sell during this time will be appraised, and the market value will be added to the total assets assigned to the applicant. There is a look-back period of 30 months prior to applying for Medi-Cal.
Unlike many other states, California does not cap the value of the primary residence in determining Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid asset exemptions include personal effects, furniture, one automobile, non-revocable burial trusts and a primary residence that either the Medicaid applicant and/or their spouse reside in. Income includes monies received from all sources such as pensions, wages and investment interest, while countable assets include cash, bank account balances and bonds. To qualify, seniors must have a countable income below $1,242 (individual) or $1,682 (couple) and own less than $2,000 in nonexempt assets (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage under the Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program (A&D FLP). The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers Medicaid, known also as Medi-Cal. It provides limited coverage for essential health care services, such as doctor visits, hospitalization and emergency services for Americans of all ages with low income and assets. Medicaid is a national health insurance program that is jointly funded by federal and state governments. Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,076įinancial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County Medicaid in California.When comparing the costs for senior care, it’s important to factor in the expenses associated with maintaining a home, including rent, upkeep and utilities, since these costs are usually included with residential care services.Ĭost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart In Santa Cruz County nursing home care is significantly more expensive than assisted living, while in-home services, such as a home health aide and homemaker, costs are similar to assisted living.
Senior care costs vary based on the type of service, the location and whether or not room and board is included. Costs for assisted living is similar in the nearby cities of Salinas ($5,500), San Jose ($5,500) and San Francisco ($5,500) but significantly lower inland in Modesto ($3,200), Merced ($3,500) and Madera ($3,323). Assisted Living Costs in Santa Cruz CountyĪccording to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living costs in Santa Cruz County are higher than both the state average ($4,500) and the national average ($4,000).