Program
Medi-Cal home accessibility changes
Some Medi-Cal health plans pay for ramps, grab bars and other changes, with a lifetime limit.
What it can pay for
- ramps
- grab bars
- wider doors
- roll-in shower
- bathroom changes
- stair lift
- electrical
- plumbing
- a medical alert button
- Official name
- Medi-Cal Community Supports: Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (Home Modifications)
- Where
- CA
- Status
- Program running
- Most it pays
- $7,500 lifetime
- About the amount
- $7,500 LIFETIME maximum (exceptions: the member moves, or a major condition change requires more mods to avoid institutionalization). If the cap is hit while transitioning out of a nursing facility, Community Transition Services funds 'may be used for similar modifications.'
- Housing rules
- Owned, rented, leased, or occupied by the member; non-owners need the OWNER'S WRITTEN CONSENT for anything physically installed.
- How long it takes
- Assessment and authorization must happen within 90 days of the request (unless waiting on landlord consent or the member asks for more time). Construction time after approval not published.
- How to apply
- Call the member services number on your Medi-Cal plan ID card and ask for 'Community Supports - Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, home modifications'; family, guardians, and caregivers can request it on the member's behalf.
- Does not pay for
- Excludes aesthetic embellishments, improvements 'of general utility to the household,' and added square footage except to finish an access change (entrance/egress or wheelchair bathroom). DME (durable medical equipment, e.g. a portable ramp) must be used first if it would do the job.
- Official source
- dhcs.ca.gov
- Last checked
- April 1, 2025