Financial Assistance Programs in San Jose
Medicaid Program in San JoseMedicaid is a joint federal-state entitlement program that provides free or low-cost health insurance for seniors, the disabled and low-income citizens under the umbrella of a state healthcare system. In California, the Medicaid program is known as Medi-Cal, and it is available to all who qualify under the Federal Benefits Guidelines with no enrollment caps or waiting periods.

Medicaid Waivers in San JoseAssisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP)
The Medi-Cal program offers the Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) to seniors in 15 counties who are willing to forgo placement in a nursing care facility and move instead into assisted living accommodations. To qualify, seniors must meet the eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal, live in one of the state’s 15 approved counties and be medically eligible for referral to a skilled nursing or memory care facility. Santa Clara County, where San Jose is located, is one of the 15 counties in the state to participate in this program.
Multipurpose Senior Services WaiverAnother benefit seniors in San Jose can apply for is the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) waiver. This waiver operates just like the ALWP, but it provides support for seniors who remain in their own homes, instead of moving into assisted living. Benefits of the MSSP include:

    Access to case management workers who can answer questions about benefits
    Personal care assistance from the caregiver of the senior’s choice
    In-home and facility-based respite care
    Environmental accessibility improvements, such as wheelchair ramps and guard rails
    Minor home repairs
    Transportation assistance and disabled ride appointments
    Help to do chores
    Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) call buttons
    Adult daycare
    Protective supervision for seniors who need constant attendance
    Home-delivered and community meal services
    Money management advice and classes
    Translation and interpretation services
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver

The Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) waiver helps seniors in San Jose move back to their homes from a short stay in a nursing care facility. This waiver began when several other waiver programs were consolidated into one, and it now acts as the umbrella program for helping to cover the costs of returning seniors to their homes. Applications can be submitted through county social workers or via the services desk at most skilled nursing homes in San Jose.

Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)

The Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) waiver program has the same income and eligibility criteria as the other Medi-Cal waivers in the state, and its application process is similar, in that seniors in San Jose can apply through either a benefits worker or through the facility they live in. Consider getting advice regarding assisted living.

Additional Senior Care Resource:

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