‘There is nothing else’: Californians face eviction as insurer cancels assisted living benefit
Summary
Health Net, a major insurer for California’s Medi-Cal program, is ending its assisted living benefit at the end of the year. This decision affects about 3,500 elderly patients who rely on this coverage to pay for assisted living care, raising concerns about their future housing and care.Key Facts
- Health Net will stop providing assisted living benefits to Medi-Cal members after this year.
- Around 3,500 disabled or elderly people depend on this benefit in California.
- Assisted living helps cover most costs of 24-hour care in board-and-care or memory care homes.
- The monthly cost for assisted living is typically $5,000 to $7,000; nursing homes cost about $10,000 or more.
- Some patients may face homelessness or emergency hospital visits due to the loss of coverage.
- Medi-Cal is California’s public health insurance program for low-income residents and people with disabilities.
- Other plans linked to Health Net have also announced plans to end this benefit.
- The state says assisted living support is optional for insurers and can be changed yearly.
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