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Seniors Face Eviction as Insurer Cuts Assisted Living Aid
18 Aug
Summary
- 3,500 Medi-Cal patients rely on Health Net for assisted living coverage.
- Health Net is canceling assisted living benefits at year-end.
- Advocates fear widespread homelessness for vulnerable seniors.
Health Net, a major Medi-Cal insurer, is discontinuing its assisted living benefit for around 3,500 members at the end of the year. This decision has caused significant distress for families, like Matt Johnstone's, whose father with dementia requires continuous care. Without insurance coverage, the roughly $6,000 monthly cost of assisted living facilities is unaffordable for many, raising fears of homelessness.
Senior advocates warn of a potential crisis, as some assisted living facilities have already reported residents being discharged to emergency rooms. Health Net claims affected members will receive individualized transition plans, potentially moving to nursing homes or receiving in-home support. However, concerns remain about the adequacy and availability of these alternatives.
The state's Medi-Cal program offers assisted living as an optional benefit, and plans like Health Net can opt out annually. Health Net cited concerns about program viability and increased costs as reasons for its decision. The insurer has faced criticism for a lack of transparency and clear communication regarding the benefit termination, leaving many families and providers in confusion.
