California Expands Assisted Living Coverage in Rural Counties After Advocacy Push

California launched a pilot program expanding Medi-Cal coverage for assisted living facilities in select rural counties, following advocacy by a family member whose sister faced limited long-term care options. The program addresses gaps in California's current Medi-Cal structure, which typically excludes assisted living from covered services except in limited circumstances. The pilot applies to designated rural counties where nursing home access is constrained. The expansion reflects growing pressure on California to diversify institutional long-term care options beyond nursing facilities, particularly in underserved areas where beneficiaries have few alternatives.

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