Start with the hardest question: does Medicare pay?
The short answer is no. Medicare does not pay for assisted living — not in California, not anywhere. This trips up nearly every family the first time around because Medicare does pay for some related things: short hospital stays, skilled nursing rehab after a hospital stay, certain in-home health visits. But long-term custodial care — the kind your loved one needs when getting dressed and remembering medications has become too much — is not covered.
The realistic ways California families pay for assisted living are: private pay, the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) for eligible residents, IEHP in the Inland Empire, VA Aid & Attendance for veterans, and long-term care insurance if your loved one purchased a policy years ago.
The Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
The ALW is the most important program most families haven't heard of. It allows eligible Medi-Cal recipients to receive assisted living care at a participating RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) instead of moving to a skilled nursing facility. Ivory Crest Care participates in ALW.
The ALW pays for care services. Room and board are paid separately, generally at the SSI rate. Eligibility depends on financial qualifications, level-of-care assessment, and availability of slots in your county. We help families through the paperwork.
Read our full guide to the California ALW →
VA Aid & Attendance
The VA Aid & Attendance benefit can help wartime veterans and surviving spouses pay for assisted living. Eligibility hinges on service history, income, and the level of care required. The application is not fast, but the monthly benefit can be meaningful — we've worked with several Inland Empire veteran families through it.
What costs look like at Ivory Crest Care
We share our current rate sheet by phone. Pricing depends on the level of care your loved one needs — we don't pretend a heavy-care resident costs the same as a light-care resident, and we don't post a flashy "starting at" rate that no one actually pays. Call us at (909) 496-8868 and we'll walk through it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living, residential care, or long-term custodial care anywhere in California. Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay — that is different from assisted living. Assisted living is paid through private pay, long-term care insurance, the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), VA benefits, or a combination of these.
Does Medi-Cal pay for assisted living in California?
Through the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), Medi-Cal can cover assisted living at participating Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) for eligible residents. Not every RCFE participates, and eligibility involves financial and level-of-care requirements. Ivory Crest Care accepts ALW.
How much does assisted living cost in Southern California?
Costs vary widely. Larger Southern California assisted living communities typically range from $4,500 to $8,000+ per month depending on level of care, location, and amenities. Small residential care homes (six-bed RCFEs) like Ivory Crest Care often offer more competitive rates with more personalized care. We share our current rate sheet by phone — no online pricing games.
What is the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)?
The ALW is a Medi-Cal program that allows eligible seniors to receive assisted living care at a participating RCFE instead of moving to a skilled nursing facility. It covers care services but not room and board — the SSI room-and-board rate generally applies. See our full ALW guide for details.
Does IEHP cover assisted living?
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) members may qualify for covered services depending on plan, eligibility, and level of care. We work with IEHP and can help walk you through whether your loved one qualifies.
Can VA benefits pay for assisted living?
Yes, in some cases. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help wartime veterans and surviving spouses cover assisted living costs. Eligibility depends on service history, income, and care needs. We have helped multiple Inland Empire veteran families through this process.
What if my loved one can't afford assisted living at all?
Start with Medi-Cal eligibility and the ALW. If Medi-Cal is not an option, look at long-term care insurance, VA benefits, reverse mortgages, and family contributions. We're happy to talk through realistic options for your situation — even if it doesn't end with Ivory Crest Care.
What's included in the monthly cost at Ivory Crest Care?
Room, three home-cooked meals plus snacks daily, 24/7 awake care, medication management, personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, mobility), housekeeping, laundry, activities, and family communication. Hospice partnership, doctor visit coordination, and end-of-life support are included for residents who need them.