Medi-Cal Board and Care Homes in the Bay Area
How California's Assisted Living Waiver pays for board and care, who qualifies, and how to find participating homes near you.
Last updated: March 2026
Does Medi-Cal Pay for Board and Care?
Yes — through California's Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), Medi-Cal can pay for care services in a participating Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). This program helps seniors who need nursing-home-level care to live in a residential board and care home instead.
Here's how it works: SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment) covers room and board costs, while the ALW covers personal care, medication management, and other services. Together, they can fully fund a senior's placement in a board and care home.
How to Qualify for the Assisted Living Waiver
To qualify for the ALW, your loved one must meet all of these requirements:
- Age 21 or older (most applicants are 65+)
- Medi-Cal eligible with income below the limit (~$1,677/month for individuals in 2026)
- Assets below $2,000 for an individual
- Require nursing home level of care (assessed by a county health professional)
- Reside in a county where the ALW is available (most Bay Area counties qualify)
- Choose to live in an approved RCFE that participates in the ALW
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Apply for Medi-Cal through your county social services office or online at Covered California.
- Request an ALW assessment — ask your county Medi-Cal worker to refer you for a nursing facility level of care assessment.
- Get on the waitlist — ALW slots are limited. Contact your county as soon as possible.
- Find a participating RCFE — use our directory filtered for Medi-Cal homes and contact homes directly to confirm ALW participation.
- Complete the placement — your county ALW coordinator helps coordinate the move once a slot opens.
Browse Medi-Cal board and care homes
Filter our directory by Medi-Cal acceptance to find participating homes in your city or county.
Browse Medi-Cal homes →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medi-Cal cover board and care homes?+
Yes. Medi-Cal's Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) pays for care services in participating RCFEs. SSI/SSP covers room and board. Not all board and care homes participate, so filter specifically for Medi-Cal-accepting homes.
What is the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)?+
California's ALW is a Medi-Cal program that pays for home and community-based services for seniors who qualify for nursing home level of care but prefer a residential setting.
How do I qualify for the Assisted Living Waiver?+
You must be 21+, Medi-Cal eligible, require nursing home level of care, and live in a county where the waiver is available.
Are there waitlists for Medi-Cal board and care?+
Yes. The ALW has a waitlist in many Bay Area counties. Contact your county social services office immediately to get on the waitlist.
Can a senior on Medi-Cal get a private room?+
Some Medi-Cal-accepting homes offer private rooms at no extra cost. Ask each home directly about Medi-Cal room options.
Related Guides
Browse Medi-Cal homes by county:
David Dennis
Founder, Bay Area Board & Care
“David built Bay Area Board & Care after seeing how difficult it was for families to find transparent information about licensed care homes.”