An ALW Care Coordination Agency

Guidant Care Management

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The California Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver was designed to create affordable housing options to seniors and individuals with disabilities at an affordable monthly rate. Let us help you get approved to participate in the California Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver program. Our services are 100% free.
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1+
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about us

Guidant Care is a Care Coordination Agency (CCA)..
We focus on  the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program, andhave been coordinating care for people in Northern and Southern California since 2006.
Our team specializes in the enrollment process and is dedicated to helping participants find placement in a local assisted living facility that can best meet their care needs.
(844) 494-6304

The Enrollment Process

Step 1: Application

Complete and submit the application packet to determine if you meet the pre-eligibility criteria. If all pre-eligibility criteria are met, Guidant Care will assist you with the enrollment process for ALW at no cost.

Step 2: Waitlist

All applicants are placed on the DHCS ALW waitlist. Community applicants typically wait 18–24 months. Individuals hospitalized or in a Skilled Nursing Facility for 60+ days may qualify for expedited placement. Wait times are subject to change.

Step 3: Assessment

Once released from the waitlist, Guidant Care will schedule an initial RN assessment (in person or via telehealth) using the DHCS assessment tool to determine ALW medical eligibility and submit the assessment for DHCS approval if eligible.

Step 4: ReView & Approval

The Department of Health Care Services may take up to 45-days to approve the initial assessment. Once review is complete and approval is received, we have 180-days from the initial assessment submission date to secure placement at an ALW Approved Facility.

Step 5: Transition

With over 800+ ALW Approved Facilities to choose from in California, our team will work with you and your loved ones to make sure we secure placement at an ALW Approved Facility that can accommodate and provide the care you need. 

Step 6: Ongoing Oversight

As the Care Coordination Agency (CCA), we will continue to monitor and oversee participants’ care throughout their enrollment. An RN Care Coordinator or Social Worker will visit on a monthly basis to check-in and ensure participants are receiving adequate care at the facility based on their ALW Individual Service Plan.

Learn more by watching these short videos!

Frequently Asked Questions

The California Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a waiver that was created by legislation to provide assisted living care services as a Medi-Cal benefit. Visit the Department of Health Care Services to learn more.

  • Age 21 or older;
  • Have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility with zero share of cost;
  • Enrolled in SSI/SSP/SSD or receive enough income to pay the monthly room and board amount.
  • Must meet ALW care criteria – Require assistance with 3/5 activities of daily living
  • Able to reside safely in an assisted living facility or public subsidized housing
  • Willing to live in an assisted living setting located in one of the following counties providing ALW services: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Fransisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma Counties.

Yes. As long as you provide us, your Care Coordination Agency (CCA), with your social security number and date of birth we can add you to the waitlist. You will need to enroll in Medi-Cal by the time we have to assess.

ALW Services are funded through the participants Medi-Cal. There are no out-of-pocket expenses due and payable to Guidant Care from clients or family members. Participants are only required to pay ALW Room & Board Rate to Assisted Living Facility each month.

ALW Room & Board Rate as of January 2025 is $1,420.07 per month.
Room & Board cost is determined each year based on the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) published maximum SSI benefits available to beneficiaries in different living arrangements. Most ALW participants use their Social Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) to pay for rent.

Yes. You have a choice of which approved facility where you wish to reside. Be advised, each facility must also confirm they can accommodate care level before admission. 

No. Having Medi-Cal benefits allows you to participate in the program but does not mean that a participant is auto-enrolled. You still need to apply with a Care Coordination Agency (CCA) to be enrolled.

Areas We Serve

Proudly Serving the Following Counties:

We work with over 800 assisted living facilities that participate in the ALW program. Many have room availability to accept and care for our clients in the following California counties: Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, Riverside County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and San Diego County.

Testimonials
some feed back from our customers
Thank you for your assistance in making sure I receive quality living accommodations and help with my day-to-day life as a senior with disabilities.
K. J.

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