Assisted Living Waiver Program

The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that was created by legislation that directed the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to develop and implement the project to test the efficacy of assisted living as a Medi-Cal benefit.

To be eligible to receive services as an ALW Participant, an individual must meet all of the following ALW eligibility criteria:

• Age 21 or older;

• Have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility with zero share of cost;

• Have care needs equal to those of Medi-Cal-funded residents living and receiving care in Nursing Facilities;

• Willing to live in an assisted living setting as an alternative to a Nursing Facility;

• Able to reside safely in an assisted living facility or public subsidized housing;

• Willing to live in an assisted living setting located in one of the following counties providing ALW services: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties.

Norcal Care Coordinator Agency

Handling the Placement of Medi-Cal Eligible Patients into Assisted Living Facilities under the Guidelines Of the Medi-Cal ALWP.

The services provided by NorCal, as a Care Coordinator Agency, include assessing potential Residents to ensure eligibility and identify care needs. The CCA is responsible for working with the Resident and facility to develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) that meets their individual care needs.

The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) Program

• Making affordable housing with personal and health-related services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities

• Maximizing dignity, privacy, independence and autonomy

• Providing an alternative to long-term care placement in a nursing home