Los Angeles County and Federal Assistance for Seniors

Erica Sender, M.A.G. (Master of Arts in Gerontology) presented a program of resources for seniors and low-income individuals at Meherabode in October of 2024. Erica is a dedicated advocate and ombudsman for long-term care residents with a background in gerontology and case management. She provided insights into essential services and government benefits that can improve quality of life.

Scroll down to see links and phone numbers to 16 different Senior Services available in L.A. County. Some resources are federal and available nationally.

Table of Contents:

I. Understanding Medicare
II. HICAP: Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
III. Medi-Cal Program: Qualification at a Glance
IV. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program/How to Apply for IHSS
V. Cal-Fresh/How to Apply for Cal-Fresh
VI. Meals on Wheels
VII. Free Congregant Meals
VIII. Transportation: Access
IX. Transportation: Other Services
X. Housing Resources
XI. Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) Overview
XII. Emotional Health Resources
XIII. Social Connections and Support Groups
XIV. Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)
XV. Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources
XVI. Reporting Elder Abuse and Fraud


I. Understanding Medicare





What is Medicare? A federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and for some younger individuals with disabilities.

Key Parts of Medicare

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.

  • Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health services. In 2024, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B was $174.70. This premium is typically deducted directly from Social Security benefits.

  • Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private insurance plans that include coverage from both Part A and Part B, often with additional benefits like vision and dental bundled together in one plan. Typically operate as managed care plans (like HMOs or PPOs)

  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Provides prescription drug coverage through private plans.

    Parts C and D of Medicare are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

    Supplemental (Medigap) policies help pay Medicare out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance, and deductible expenses that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay.

  • Enrollment: Initial Enrollment Period: 7-month period that starts 3 months before turning 65. General Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 each year for those who missed the initial period.


II. HICAP: Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (it’s FREE!)

  • HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare. Volunteer counselors can help you understand your specific rights and healthcare options. The LA County HICAP program is administered by the Center for Health Care Rights.

  • Call the free telephone helpline at 800-434-0222 to speak one-to-one with a state-registered Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) counselor for answers to your Medicare questions. Available in 230+ languages.

  • Website: https://healthcarerights.org/

  1. You must be a resident of Los Angeles County and

  2. Age 60 and older; or

  3. A Medicare beneficiary of any age.


III. Medi-Cal Program: Qualification at a Glance

As of 2024, the income limits for full-scope Medi-Cal in California are:

For Individuals:
Single Individuals: Up to $1,677 per month (138% of the Federal Poverty Level).

For Couples:
Married Couples: Up to $2,268 per month.

As of 2022, there are no longer asset limits.

To learn about MEDI-CAL Click Here.
You can call to learn if you are eligible: Medi-Cal Eligibility: 1 (916) 552-9200
Or E-Mail: MCED@dhcs.ca.gov

Apply here: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/ApplyforMedi-Cal.aspx


IV. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged (over the age of 65), blind and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes.

Services Offered

  • Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.

  • Household Services: Light housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry.

  • Health-Related Tasks: Assistance with medication management and simple medical tasks.

    Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age: Must be 65 or older, or disabled (any age).

  • Income: Must meet income limits, typically determined by the Medi-Cal guidelines.

  • Needs Assessment: An assessment is conducted to determine the level of need for assistance with daily activities.

How to Apply for IHSS

  • Contact Local IHSS Office: Call or visit the local county IHSS office to obtain an application or go online.

  • Complete Assessment: A social worker will conduct an assessment to determine eligibility and need.

  • Receive Approval: Once approved, services will be arranged based on assessed needs.

  • Choose a Provider: Recipients can choose a family member, friend, or hire a provider through the program.

  • Call: 1 (888) 822-9622

  • http://dpss.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpss/main/programs-and-services/ in-home-supportive-services/

V. Cal-Fresh 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Residency: Must be a California resident.

  • Income Limits: Varies by household size; generally based on the
    Federal Poverty Level.

  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.

  • Work Requirements: Some able-bodied adults may need to meet work
    requirements.

Benefits

  • Monthly Allowance: Varies by household size (e.g., up to $291 for one
    person, up to $1,923 for an eight-person household).

  • Use of Benefits: Can be used to purchase eligible food items at grocery
    stores, farmers' markets, and some online retailers.

How to Apply for Cal-Fresh

VI. Meals on Wheels

What is Meals on Wheels? Meals on Wheels is a community-based program that delivers nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The program aims to combat hunger, promote health, and provide social interaction for isolated individuals.

Key Features

  • Service Area: Operates throughout Los Angeles County, serving various
    neighborhoods and communities.

Meal Options

  • Nutritious Meals: Balanced meals designed to meet dietary needs.

  • Special Diets: Accommodations for specific dietary restrictions (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic).

  • Culturally Appropriate Meals: Options that reflect the diverse populations of Los Angeles.

Delivery

  • Meals are delivered directly to the homes of recipients, typically once a day.

  • Friendly volunteers often provide social interaction during meal delivery.

Eligibility

  • Primarily serves seniors (60 years and older) and individuals with disabilities.

  • Must be homebound or have difficulty accessing food.

Cost

  • Meals are provided at a low cost or on a donation basis. Many programs operate on a sliding scale based on income. www.Mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Another possible option for home delivered meals: https://www.revolutionfoods.com/seniors

VII. Free Congregant Meals



  • Community & Senior Centers: 1 (800) 689-8514

  • Look up your local senior center by zip code: https://ad.lacounty.gov/services/community-and-senior-centers/

  • Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) Congregate Meals Free meals are provided for adults aged 60 and older at local senior and community centers to improve and maintain their physical and social well-being. For more information please call 1(800) 510-2020.

  • Congregant meal programs improve nutrition, prevent food insecurity, and promote socialization!

VIII. Transportation: Access

  • Access provides paratransit transportation for individuals with disabilities in Los Angeles County, including seniors.

  • Curb-to-Curb shared-ride transportation.

  • Flexible Scheduling: Rides can be scheduled in advance, typically up to 14 days ahead.

  • Cost: Your one-way fare is based on the distance you travel with a maximum fare of $3.50.

Eligibility

  • Who Can Use It: Individuals with a disability that prevents them from using regular public transit.

Application Process

  • Applicants must complete an assessment process to determine eligibility.

  • Eligibility for Access is based on the person with a disability's ability to use accessible buses and trains in Los Angeles County, not solely based on the disability, age, or medical diagnosis. It is determined through an in-person Transit Evaluation.

  • https://accessla.org/

IX. Transportation: Other Services

  • Cityride: Seniors aged 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities, can take advantage of Cityride, a transportation assistance program for City of Los Angeles and select Los Angeles County residents. Simply purchase Cityride Dial-A-Ride (DAR) services to access permitted taxis, as well as free DASH buses. ladottransit.com/cityride.

  • Senior Centers (St. Barnabas Senior Services, Jewish Family Service LA)

  • MODE in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills Dial-A-Ride

  • GoGo Grandparent https://www.gogograndparent.com/location/los-angeles

X. Housing Resources

XI. Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP) Overview

  • California's Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) Program offers Medi-Cal-eligible individuals an alternative to nursing home care by providing access to assisted living communities.

  • Eligibility: To be eligible, individuals must be at least 21 years old, have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility, and require assistance with daily living activities.

  • Program costs: Medi-Cal pays for most of the cost of care, but participants are responsible for paying room and board out of pocket. The monthly income limit for 2024 is $1,732 for a single applicant and $2,351 for a married couple.

  • Waitlists: The ALW has long waitlists, and it can take years to move into a facility.

  • Application process: The application process can take up to three months, or longer. https://canhr.org/assisted-living-waiver-alw/

XII. Emotional Health Resources

Counseling and Therapy

  • Department of Mental Health (DMH) Provides referrals and crisis intervention (800) 854-7771 dmh.lacounty.gov

  • Genesis Program Offers mental health assessments for people over the age of 60 (213) 351-7284

  • Blue Moon Senior Counseling A group of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) that provide counseling and psychotherapy to seniors. A Medicare Part B Covered Benefit. https://bluemoonseniorcounseling.com/

Hotlines

  • 24- Hour Friendship Line Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free crisis and non-crisis line for people aged 60 years and older and adults living with disabilities; also makes outreach calls to older adults to monitor physical and mental health concerns. (800) 971-0016

  • The LA Warmline 7 nights a week, 10:00pm – 6:00am (855) 952-9276. Services available in English & Spanish

  • Sage LGBT Elder Hotline (877) 360-5428

  • 7 Cups of Tea Free 24-7 chat and support chat rooms 7cups.com

XIII. Social Connections and Support Groups

  • USC Family Caregiver Support Center - Providing support to caregivers who provide services to seniors. Supportive services include information, assessment, individual consultations, respite, education, and training. Call: 1 (855) 872-6060 https://losangelescrc.usc.edu/ 

  • AARP https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

  • Community & Senior Centers: 1 (800) 689-8514 or call 211

  • Look up your local senior center by zip code: https://ad.lacounty.gov/services/community-and-senior-centers/

  • Daily Call Sheet - Fun, social connection program for seniors who are members or related to members of the Motion Picture and Television Fund. Call: 1 (818) 876-1191 

XIV. Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD)

  • Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that outlines preferences for medical treatment and appoints an agent for health care decisions

  • Components: Health Care Proxy: Designates an individual to make health care decisions

  • Living Will: Specifies wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment

XV. Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources

  • Bet Tzedek Legal free legal assistance to low-income older adults; also focuses on prevention of elder abuse (323) 939-0506 bettzedek.org

  1. California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) Provides consumer counseling around issues of long-term Medi-Cal, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, legal support, advocacy & attorney referral services (800) 474-111 6canhr.org

  • Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Provides free legal and self-help services to low-income individuals (800) 399-4529 lafla.org

  • Housing Rights Center Offers free housing counseling, discrimination investigation, and outreach and education. 1-800-477-5977 https://www.housingrightscenter.org/

  • Center for Health Care Rights (LA) Provides legal assistance for Medicare and Medi-Cal beneficiaries (213) 383-4519 or (800) 824-0780 healthcarerights.org

  • H.E.L.P. Health Care & Elder Law Programs Provides free legal assistance and referrals (310) 533-1996 help4srs.org

XVI. Reporting Elder Abuse and Fraud

Hotlines and Support Services 

Elder Abuse

  • Elder Abuse Hotline: 877-477-3646

  • Adult Protective Services (LA County): 888-202-4248

  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LA County): 800-202-9473

  • National Center on Elder Abuse: https://ncea.acl.gov/home#gsc.tab=0

Elder Fraud

Here is Erica’s talk if you’d like to watch it.