If you or a parent are on Medi-Cal and getting close to needing nursing home care, there may be another option.
California’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) helps older adults with significant care needs stay safely at home instead of moving into a nursing home.
It used to start at age 65. Now it starts at 60, and California has approved an expansion to serve all counties, although access depends on local providers and available enrollment slots.
Here’s what MSSP offers and who qualifies.
What Does MSSP Do?
MSSP provides care management through a team of nurses and social workers who help coordinate your care at home.
The team assesses your health and daily needs, then develops a care plan with you, your doctor and your family.
Depending on your needs, MSSP services may include:
- Ongoing care management: Help coordinating medical care and community services.
- In-home assistance: Supplemental help with household chores and personal care.
- Protective supervision: Support for people who need additional supervision to remain safe.
- Respite care: Temporary relief for family caregivers.
- Adult day care: Supervised daytime services and activities.
- Transportation: Rides to appointments and other essential destinations.
- Meals: Meal assistance based on your care plan.
- Communication services: Assistance such as translation services and emergency response systems.
MSSP may also arrange or purchase additional services that aren’t otherwise available to meet your care needs.
Many people enrolled in MSSP also receive In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). These programs can work together to help eligible older adults remain at home.
The services you receive depend on your individual assessment and approved care plan.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for MSSP, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Be 60 or older; AND
- Be enrolled in Medi-Cal under a qualifying eligibility code; AND
- Be certified or certifiable as needing the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility; AND
- Live in an area served by an MSSP provider.
You cannot be enrolled in another Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver or receive Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services at the same time as MSSP.
However, this restriction does not mean you must give up every other Medi-Cal service. For example, eligible MSSP participants may also receive IHSS.
An assessment determines whether your care needs meet the program’s requirements.
Why Does the Age Change Matter?
MSSP previously required participants to be at least 65 years old.
Under California’s 2024–2029 MSSP waiver renewal, the minimum age dropped to 60.
The renewal also approved expanding MSSP to the remaining California counties.
This matters because adults ages 60 to 64 who need nursing-facility-level care may now qualify for support that wasn’t previously available to their age group.
Some older websites may still list the minimum age as 65, but the current state requirements say 60.
The expansion doesn’t guarantee immediate enrollment. MSSP operates through local providers and has a limited number of participant slots.
If you’re between 60 and 64, ask your local MSSP provider about enrollment and available openings.
Does It Cost Anything?
MSSP provides authorized care management and supportive services through Medi-Cal for eligible participants.
However, some Medi-Cal beneficiaries may have a share of cost, depending on their eligibility category.
Ask your local MSSP provider whether any share-of-cost requirements apply to your situation before services begin.
You should also understand that MSSP doesn’t automatically provide every type of home care. Services must be approved as part of your individual care plan.
How Do I Apply?
Start by finding the MSSP provider that serves your area.
The California Department of Aging maintains an official directory of MSSP providers.
You can contact your local provider directly to ask about eligibility and referrals. A family member, doctor or social worker may also help you request services.
Here’s what to expect:
- Contact your local MSSP provider. Explain that you’re interested in the program and describe the help you need at home.
- Ask about openings. Find out whether the provider is accepting new participants or has a waiting list.
- Complete the eligibility review. Your Medi-Cal status and other program requirements will be checked.
- Complete a care assessment. The California Department of Aging is responsible for determining whether applicants meet the required nursing-facility level of care.
- Develop a care plan. If you’re approved, the MSSP team works with you to identify and coordinate appropriate services.
If you’re unsure whether your county is currently served, the California Department of Aging’s MSSP page is a good place to start.
You can also review the official Medi-Cal MSSP information for additional eligibility details.
Relief Recap
California’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program helps eligible Medi-Cal members with significant care needs receive support at home instead of moving into a nursing facility.
The minimum age is now 60 instead of 65, and California has approved expanding the program to all counties.
Depending on your needs, MSSP may provide care management, in-home assistance, meals, transportation, respite care and other supportive services.
You’ll need qualifying Medi-Cal coverage and an assessment showing that you need nursing-facility-level care. Enrollment depends on local availability, and some participants may have a Medi-Cal share of cost.
If you or someone you care for is 60 or older, enrolled in Medi-Cal and struggling to stay safely at home, check the MSSP provider directory and ask whether the program could help.
