Glossary
Assisted Living Waiver
Also called: ALW, Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver
The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a California Medi-Cal program that pays for assisted living care for eligible Medi-Cal members who would otherwise qualify for nursing-home care, in communities enrolled in the program.
The resident pays room and board from their own income; Medi-Cal pays the community for care. Enrollment is capped with a waitlist, the program operates in participating counties rather than statewide, and eligibility runs through a care coordination agency, not the community.
Only enrolled communities can accept the waiver. Senior Places marks them and lets you filter any city to ALW communities.
Related terms
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, the joint state and federal health coverage for people with limited income and assets, and the payer of last resort for long-term care.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and over; it covers hospital and medical care and short-term skilled nursing or home health, but not assisted living, memory care, or long-term custodial care.
Residential care home
A residential care home, or board and care home, is a small assisted living setting licensed for six or fewer residents, usually in a converted single-family house with live-in or shift caregivers.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.