CalAIM Community Supports for Assisted Living
Golden Age Advocacy helps families navigate CalAIM Community Supports (CS) — a Medi-Cal program that can cover the assisted living portion of care in a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) or an Adult Residential Facility (ARF).
How It Works
Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) pay for the assisted living portion of care in a licensed facility.
The resident is responsible for “room and board” (usually from SSI income).
The amount paid depends on a tiered care assessment completed by a nurse.
Who Qualifies?
1. SNF Transition (Skilled Nursing to RCFE/ARF)
You may qualify if:
You’ve lived in a skilled nursing facility for at least 60 days (Medicare / Medi-Cal covered).
You’re willing to move to an assisted living as an alternative.
You can safely live in an assisted living with the right support.
2. SNF Diversion (Preventing Skilled Nursing Placement)
You may qualify if:
You want to remain in the community instead of moving to a skilled nursing facility.
You need help with daily activities (dressing, bathing, incontinence, etc.) or are at risk of institutionalization.
You can safely live in an RCFE/ARF with support services.
Additional Eligibility Rules
Room & Board Payment: Residents (or families) must pay this portion directly to the facility.
SSI with NMOHC (2025 rates):
SSI with the Non-Medical Out of Home Care bump-up = $1,599.07/month.
Resident keeps $179 for personal needs.
Facility receives $1,420.07 for room & board.
Example: If Mr. Johnson’s SSI is $500, CalAIM adds $1,099.07, raising it to $1,599.07. He pays $1,420.07 for room/board and keeps $179.
Important: If a resident cannot pay room & board (and no family support is available), they are not eligible for this program.
Medi-Cal Share of Cost (SOC)
If you have a Medi-Cal share of cost (SOC), you may need to eliminate it before joining a Managed Medi-Cal plan that offers CalAIM.
Learn more from CANHR:
We know this process can be overwhelming. Golden Age Advocacy will walk you through every step — from referrals to approvals and placement.