Which Medicaid Waivers Pay for Residential Care in California?

In California, Assisted Living Waiver (ALW, 1915(c)), DD (HCBS-DD) Waiver + Self-Determination Program, CalAIM (1115/1915(b) managed care Community Supports), and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) can fund services in licensed residential settings. Eligibility, enrollment caps, and waitlists vary by program — your service coordinator confirms which program applies.

How Do I Find California Waiver Providers With Openings?

Capacity Track lists every licensed residential care provider in California from state licensing records. Browse by care type and county, then send an inquiry — providers reply directly, and openings show live when providers update availability.

Who Coordinates Waiver Services in California?

In California, waiver services are coordinated by a service coordinator, typically through your regional center. They confirm eligibility, authorize services, and help select a provider.

Do All California Waivers Cover Residential Placement?

No. Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver and MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program) cover in-home and community services only. If your client or family member needs a residential placement, start with the programs listed above that pay for residential care.

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Medicaid Waivers & Residential Care Funding in California

California has 6 Medicaid funding programs on Capacity Track, and 4 of them can pay for care in a licensed residential setting. Below is what each program covers, who it serves, and where to find licensed providers — 16,640 locations statewide.

Waiver services in California are coordinated by a service coordinator, typically through your regional center. Every provider listed here comes from state licensing records — never pay-to-play.

Waiver Programs in California

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW, 1915(c))
Pays Residential
Serves: seniors and disabled adults at NF level of care
Assisted Living Waiver (ALW, 1915(c)) can pay for services in licensed residential settings in California, so it is a funding path for residential placements.
Program Details & Providers
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver
In-Home Only
Serves: medically fragile adults/children at NF/subacute LOC
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver covers in-home and community services only — it does not pay for residential placement in California.
Program Details & Providers
DD (HCBS-DD) Waiver + Self-Determination Program
Pays Residential
Serves: developmental disabilities via DDS regional centers
DD (HCBS-DD) Waiver + Self-Determination Program can pay for services in licensed residential settings in California, so it is a funding path for residential placements.
Program Details & Providers
CalAIM (1115/1915(b) managed care Community Supports)
Pays Residential
Serves: Medi-Cal managed care members
CalAIM (1115/1915(b) managed care Community Supports) can pay for services in licensed residential settings in California, so it is a funding path for residential placements.
Program Details & Providers
Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS)
Pays Residential
Serves: adults with SUD
Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) can pay for services in licensed residential settings in California, so it is a funding path for residential placements.
Program Details & Providers
MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program)
In-Home Only
Serves: frail 65+
MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program) covers in-home and community services only — it does not pay for residential placement in California.
Program Details & Providers

Find Licensed Providers in California

Once a waiver is approved, the next step is finding a licensed provider with an opening. Browse California providers by care type — openings show live when providers update availability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Medicaid Waivers Pay for Residential Care in California?: In California, Assisted Living Waiver (ALW, 1915(c)), DD (HCBS-DD) Waiver + Self-Determination Program, CalAIM (1115/1915(b) managed care Community Supports), and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) can fund services in licensed residential settings. Eligibility, enrollment caps, and waitlists vary by program — your service coordinator confirms which program applies.
How Do I Find California Waiver Providers With Openings?: Capacity Track lists every licensed residential care provider in California from state licensing records. Browse by care type and county, then send an inquiry — providers reply directly, and openings show live when providers update availability.

Medicaid Waivers & Residential Care Funding in California

Waiver Programs in California

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW, 1915(c))

Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver

DD (HCBS-DD) Waiver + Self-Determination Program

CalAIM (1115/1915(b) managed care Community Supports)

Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS)

MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Medicaid Waivers in Other States

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