Reference
The California senior-care glossary.
Families navigating eldercare in California run into the same dozen acronyms. Each one is a program with its own eligibility rules and its own answer to the question of who pays. The definitions below are short on purpose. The deeper guide for each term is linked at the end of the entry.
Assisted Living Waiver
A California Medi-Cal waiver program that pays for assisted-living services and personal care at participating Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, for eligible Medi-Cal members who would otherwise need nursing-home care.
California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal
California's 2022 Medi-Cal reform that added Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports for eligible members. CalAIM does not pay assisted-living rent.
In-Home Supportive Services
California's Medi-Cal program that pays for personal care, homemaker services, and Protective Supervision in the home, including by a family member, for eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
A California-licensed non-medical residence for adults 60 and older that provides room, board, personal care, and supervision. Licensed by CDSS Community Care Licensing, not by CDPH.
SOC
The monthly amount a Medi-Cal beneficiary must pay or accrue toward their own medical bills before Medi-Cal pays for covered services. Calculated as income above the program's maintenance need level.
Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program
A California Medi-Cal program that provides no-Share-of-Cost coverage to seniors and people with disabilities whose income is at or below 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
An IHSS service authorization, up to about 195 hours per month, that pays for in-home supervision of a person with cognitive impairment who cannot safely be left alone.
Money Follows the Person
A federal Medicaid demonstration that helps eligible nursing-facility residents return to community living by funding transition services and shifting long-term services funding to home and community settings.
California's Medicaid program. Primary public payer for long-term services and supports for low-income seniors, including IHSS, CBAS, nursing-home care, and the Assisted Living Waiver.
The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for younger people with qualifying disabilities. Covers acute and post-acute care, hospice, and limited home health. Does not cover custodial long-term care.
Dual Eligible
Informal name for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Medicare pays first for covered acute care; Medi-Cal covers long-term services, premiums, and cost-sharing.
Definitions reflect California program rules as of the most recent update on each linked guide. Programs change. For an individual eligibility determination, talk to a county social worker, a Medi-Cal benefits counselor, or your parent's HICAP volunteer.