Important Facts About Medi-Cal: Introduction

Medi-Cal is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income children, seniors and people with disabilities. In addition, it covers care in a nursing home for those who qualify. In the absence of any other public program covering long-term care, Medi-Cal has become the default nursing home insurance of the middle class. Medi-Cal currently pays for approximately 60% of all nursing home days and is the primary payment source for most seniors.

Medi-Cal will also pay for limited in-home services. These services are typically limited to 20 hours or less per week at a compensation level of $10.00 per hour. The real problem with these benefits is that it is very difficult to find an appropriate care provider at that compensation level.