Do I need Medi-Cal benefits to pay for nursing home care?

Medi-Cal is California’s state Medicaid program.  Like all other Medicaid programs, it is funded by both federal and state funds but run by the State.  The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) manages long-term care programs in California, including nursing home services.  In general, skilled nursing facilities offer round-the-clock skilled nursing care in addition to other supportive services. Nursing homes are typically rather expensive, averaging over $8,000 per month in California. Most people cannot afford to pay their own nursing home expenses. That is where Medi-Cal benefits come in.