Does Medi-Cal in California cover rent for assisted living, and in what facilities?

In most cases, no. Medi-Cal does not pay the room and board at an assisted living facility. The exception is the Assisted Living Waiver, which pays for care services in a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly, an Adult Residential Care Facility, or publicly subsidized housing. Residents still pay their own rent, usually from Social Security or SSI. The waiver is limited to 15 counties, requires full-scope Medi-Cal and a nursing-home level of care, and has a waitlist. Facilities can also decline to participate.