Medi-Cal, CalABLE, and other resources

Medi-Cal: Community Supports and HCBS waivers

California Medi-Cal managed-care plans may offer Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (home modifications) as a Community Support. DHCS describes ramps, grab bars, doorway widening, stair lifts, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms — physical adaptations needed so the member can stay out of an institution. A physician order and documentation that the work meets a medical need are required. If you rent, the owner must consent in writing.

Caps depend on which Medi-Cal path you are on:

• CalAIM Community Supports — Environmental Accessibility Adaptations: DHCS Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 1 (July 2026) sets a $7,500 lifetime maximum, with exceptions if the member moves or the condition changes substantially. LA Care and other plans publish the same $7,500 figure.
• Some HCBS waivers (including HCBA waiver service language): have used a $5,000 lifetime maximum. That is a different program than Community Supports.

Ask your plan which program you are on and what cap they are using. Do not assume plug-in voice lighting is an EAA. Structural access (ramps, doors, bathrooms, stair lifts) is the usual target.

Start: the number on the Medi-Cal card, or dhcs.ca.gov. Waiver participants should also ask their waiver agency.

CalABLE

A CalABLE account is a savings vehicle for eligible people with disabilities, with tax advantages and special SSI/Medi-Cal treatment when used for qualified disability expenses. It is your money, not a grant. If the account holder chooses to pay for assistive technology, that is a purchase — same as writing a check.

calable.ca.gov

Ability Tools (state AT program)

Device demonstration, short-term device loans, reuse, and information. Useful to try a talking thermostat before anyone buys a whole-home system. Not a contractor network for KLM Ventures invoices.

abilitytools.org

Local housing rehab / CDBG / CalHome

Cities and counties sometimes run home-repair or accessibility programs with CDBG or CalHome money for income-eligible homeowners. You apply to the local housing department, not to us. Offerings appear and disappear with budgets. Search “[your city] home rehabilitation grant accessibility.”

IHSS

In-Home Supportive Services pays for people (hours of care), not typically for smart-home hardware. A well-designed home can change how many hours someone needs; that is a county IHSS conversation, not a gadget reimbursement.

Loans (use carefully)

HELOCs, cash-out refinance, and reverse mortgages (HECM) can free cash. They are debt, not grants. We will not originate a loan or tell you a reverse mortgage is “for the smart home.” If you already have a loan process, we can still do the design.

Official sources

• DHCS Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 1 (July 2026) — EAA lifetime maximum $7,500
• DHCS HCBA waiver environmental accessibility adaptation service definition (lifetime maximum $5,000 in that waiver text)
• CalABLE · Ability Tools · DHCS