Senior Benefits in California
Plain-English guides to state and federal programs that many older Californians may qualify for. Each guide cites its official sources and explains how to apply.
Medi-Cal and Medicare
The asset limit, what to do before 65, programs that help pay Medicare costs, and choices for people with both.
Medi-Cal Asset Limit: $130,000 Now, $21,000 From July 2027
Medi-Cal counts assets again for people 65 and older. The current limit, the new limit from July 1, 2027, which assets are not counted, and what to do now. From DHCS.
Turning 65: Your Medicare Checklist
The 7 month enrollment window, who is enrolled automatically, late penalties, 2026 Part B costs, 2027 Part D costs, and programs that help pay. From Medicare.gov and CMS.
Medicare Savings Programs in California (QMB, SLMB, QI)
California programs that pay the Part B premium, and sometimes deductibles, for people with limited income: 2026 income limits, asset limit, how to apply.
Medicare and Medi-Cal in Orange County: Your 2027 Options
Medicare and Medi-Cal in Orange County: Medi-Medi plans like CalOptima OneCare, Original Medicare with Medi-Cal, or Medicare Advantage, and when to switch.
Medicare 2027 in Orange County: AEP Guide for Vietnamese-American Seniors
A plain-English Orange County guide for Medicare 2027, including AEP dates, plan changes, official comparison help, and Vietnamese support.
Medicare Enrollment Periods in California for 2027
A simple California Medicare calendar for IEP, AEP, Medicare Advantage OEP, SEPs, GEP, effective dates, and late penalties.
Medicare Part D and Extra Help for 2027
How Part D formularies, pharmacy networks, Extra Help, the Prescription Payment Plan, and Medicare Plan Finder work for 2027.
Medigap or Medicare Advantage in California?
Compare Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D against Medicare Advantage, including networks, travel, underwriting, and California's birthday rule.
Using Medicare When You Travel to Vietnam
What Medicare covers in Vietnam, how Medigap foreign emergency coverage works, what Part D does not cover abroad, and what to check before a long stay.
Green Card Holders and Medicare When Working Past 65
How the 5-year residence rule, work credits, employer size, HSA, COBRA, Part B SEP, and late penalties fit together.
IRMAA and Medicare Premiums: What to Know for 2027
What IRMAA is, how the 2-year tax lookback works, 2026 income brackets, SSA-44 appeals, and what has not been announced for 2027.
PACE in Orange County: A Guide for Medicare and Medi-Cal Families
PACE eligibility, all-inclusive care, Orange County programs listed by DHCS, and the difference between PACE, OneCare, D-SNP, and IHSS.
How to Find a Vietnamese-Speaking Doctor in Your 2027 Medicare Network
How to verify a Vietnamese-speaking doctor, medical group, hospital, and pharmacy in a 2027 Medicare Advantage or Part D network.
Food, phone, and electric and gas bills
CalFresh for groceries, phone and internet discounts, and lower electric and gas bills.
CalFresh for Older Adults: People on SSI Can Apply
People on SSI have been able to apply for CalFresh since 2019. People over 64 are excused from the new June 2026 work rules. The 2026 changes and how to apply. From CDSS.
California LifeLine: Phone and Internet Discounts
People with Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or a limited income may get a home phone, cell phone, or internet discount. Who qualifies, income limits, how to apply.
Lower Electric and Gas Bills: CARE, FERA, and LIHEAP
CARE cuts electric bills 30 to 35 percent at large utilities and gas bills 20 percent. FERA and LIHEAP help too. 2026 to 2027 income limits and how to apply.
Care at home
IHSS pays for help with housework and personal care so you can stay in your own home.
IHSS: California Pays for In-Home Care
IHSS helps people 65 and older, blind, or disabled with Medi-Cal get help with housework and personal care at home. Who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply.
Need free help?
These official lines help for free. Call them directly; no agent needed.
- HICAPFree, unbiased Medicare counseling1-800-434-0222
- Medi-Cal HelplineFind your county social services office(800) 541-5555
- Community servicesHelp with energy bills and local services, 24 hours a day2-1-1
The guides draw on official sources: DHCS, CDSS, Medicare.gov, CMS, CPUC, CSD, CalOptima Health.