Eliminating the Medi-Cal asset test will help more LifeSTEPS residents age in place
More LifeSTEPS residents will age in place with the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test
LifeSTEPS is joining Justice in Aging and the Western Center on Law & Poverty and other aging and disability services organizations to respectfully request that California eliminate the Medi-Cal asset test for seniors and people with disabilities. The current limit, which has not increased since 1989, prevents low-income older adults and many people with disabilities from saving enough money to weather a crisis, such as an eviction.
The elimination of the asset test in public programs reflects a shift away from requiring low-income people to deplete all their resources prior to receiving help. The vast majority of Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal are not subject to an asset test. Extending this policy to older Californians and persons with disabilities will help increase financial and housing stability while ensuring people can keep their health care. Additionally, eliminating the asset limit will simplify the administration of the Medi-Cal program by reducing application and renewal barriers that force people to document their financial accounts and property every year.
Three brothers living in a LifeSTEPS affordable housing community in Los Angeles will spend more time outdoors, thanks to a generous gift from the Sierra Nevada High School Cycling Organization. When the boys’ mother Jackie learned of the funding opportunity through her development’s resident services coordinator, she requested bikes, helmets and protective gear for her 14 and 11-year-olds, and a bike trailer for her four-year-old son with disabilities, so she that can safely take him for rides. The bikes will not only allow her sons to commute to and from school, but Jackie will now be able to enjoy outdoor time with her three boys, helping them lead healthier and more active lives.
We believe housing is foundational for strong, healthy and equitable communities. Studies show that housing insecurity creates chronic health disparities that impact how well a person lives, and for how long. These health impacts fall disproportionately on low-income people and people of color, exacerbating the already disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on these communities.
California’s growing affordable housing crisis is especially challenging for those with mental health disabilities who are experiencing housing instability. Affordable, inclusive and safe housing is vital to good mental health and wellbeing. The leading cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing, and over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, LifeSTEPS’ client assistance program has provided more than $550,000 to keep struggling individuals, families, seniors and veterans across California from losing their housing. Additionally, through extensive case management, our specialized supportive services program has helped secure more than 260 permanent homes statewide for homeless residents struggling with mental health issues.
