Savings, income and the house
Most assisted living in Fresno is paid privately, with savings, Social Security, pensions and retirement accounts. Many families rent or sell the house to cover care. If the house is the main asset, talk to an elder law attorney or a tax professional before you sell.
Long-term care insurance
- Most policies pay once someone needs help with at least 2 of 6 daily activities (like bathing or dressing), or has cognitive impairment such as dementia.
- There’s usually a waiting period, often 30 to 90 days, before benefits start.
- Call the insurance company as soon as care starts. The paperwork takes time.
- California’s HICAP program gives free, unbiased counseling: 1-800-434-0222.
VA Aid and Attendance
Wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities may qualify for this monthly VA pension. From December 1, 2025, the yearly maximum is $29,093 for a veteran alone and $34,488 for a veteran with a spouse. The net worth limit is $163,699, and care costs can count against income.
Apply for free through the Fresno County Veterans Service Office. Be careful with anyone who charges to file. Only VA-accredited representatives can charge, and it shouldn't be needed.
Medi-Cal and the Assisted Living Waiver
- California brought back the Medi-Cal asset limit on January 1, 2026: $130,000 for one person and $195,000 for a couple. The home and one car usually don’t count.
- Medi-Cal doesn’t pay room and board in assisted living.
- The Assisted Living Waiver can pay for care services in participating homes in Fresno County. There is a waitlist.
- Medi-Cal pays for long-term nursing home care for people who qualify.
We help Medi-Cal families for free, and we don't accept referral fees on Medi-Cal placements.
What Medicare does and doesn't pay
- Medicare does not pay for assisted living, board and care, or ongoing personal care.
- It covers a short skilled nursing (rehab) stay after at least three days as a hospital inpatient. Observation days don’t count.
- In 2026, days 1 to 20 are $0. Days 21 to 100 are $217 a day. Nothing after day 100.
PACE
PACE programs, like Fresno PACE and WelbeHealth, serve people 55 and older who need nursing-home-level care but want to live in the community. They coordinate medical care, rides and day programs. Ask them whether they can help with care in an assisted living setting.
We will walk your family through the options and point you to the free programs that fit. No pressure, no cost.
We're senior living advisors, not lawyers or financial advisors. For legal or tax questions, talk to an elder law attorney.
Updated September 2026 by Shaun and Nick, co-founders of CalValley Senior Living Advisors.