For many Californians living with disabilities, chronic disease, or the challenges of aging, the home can become a place of risk rather than comfort. Narrow doorways, slippery bathrooms, and steep stairs can turn everyday life into a daily obstacle course — increasing the chance of falls, emergency department visits, and even premature nursing home placement. The good news? If you or a loved one is a Medi-Cal member, you may be eligible for free home modifications that can restore safety, independence, and dignity — all through a program called Community Supports under CalAIM.

At Pacific Health Group, we help members navigate these benefits every step of the way. And if you’re currently uninsured, we can help you apply for Medi-Cal so you can access the services you need.

What are Medi-Cal Community Supports?

Medi-Cal Community Supports are a set of non-medical services introduced in January 2022 as part of California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). Designed to address health-related social needs, these supports can be offered by Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) as cost-effective alternatives to higher-cost medical care — including hospital stays, emergency department visits, and nursing home placement.

There are currently 15 Community Supports available, covering everything from housing assistance to nutrition services to respite care for caregivers. One of the most impactful — and increasingly utilized — is Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (EAA), commonly known as home modifications for Medi-Cal members.

What is Environmental Accessibility Adaptation (EAA)?

Environmental Accessibility Adaptation is the official CalAIM term for home modifications that help Medi-Cal members function safely and independently in their own homes. These person-centered modifications remove environmental barriers, reduce fall risk, and support aging in place for people living with disabilities or mobility limitations.

What home modifications are covered?

EAA services can include a range of accessibility upgrades, such as:

• Grab bars in bathrooms and hallways
• Wheelchair ramps and stair railings
• Doorway widening to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
• Accessible bathroom conversions, including roll-in showers
• Stair lifts for multi-level homes

These modifications may seem simple, but their impact on a patient’s health and safety is profound. By reducing fall risk and supporting daily function, EAA services translate directly into fewer emergency department visits and reduced reliance on nursing home care, which benefits both the member and the broader healthcare system.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal home modifications?

To be eligible for EAA services, an individual must be enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal and enrolled in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan. Eligibility is typically based on medical necessity — meaning a member’s care team must determine that the home modification is appropriate and would serve as a cost-effective alternative to covered Medi-Cal services.

Members who are most likely to qualify include:

• Older adults at risk for falls or nursing home placement
• Adults and children with physical disabilities or developmental conditions
• Members with chronic diseases such as heart disease, COPD, or diabetes that affect mobility
• Individuals transitioning out of a nursing home or care facility back into the community
• Foster care youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system with ongoing health needs

If you are unsure whether you qualify, your primary care provider or Medi-Cal plan’s member services team can help determine your eligibility and start the referral process.

Why home modifications matter for health outcomes

The connection between a person’s home environment and their overall health is well-established. Unsafe home conditions are a leading driver of falls among older adults — one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits and nursing home admissions in California. For Medi-Cal members already managing chronic disease, a serious fall can mean hospitalization, surgery, and a significant setback in their recovery and independence.

CalAIM data shows that Environmental Accessibility Adaptations are proving effective at diverting nursing home admissions and empowering members to live safely and independently at home. For providers and managed care plans, this means measurable reductions in high-cost healthcare utilization — a win for both member well-being and health system sustainability.

Beyond fall prevention, home modifications support 心理健康 by restoring a sense of autonomy and confidence. When a patient can safely use their bathroom, move freely through their home, or exit their front door without assistance, the psychological benefit is significant. Accessibility at home contributes to social connection, reduced isolation, and improved quality of life — outcomes that no medication alone can provide.

Medi-Cal vs. Medicare: understanding the difference

It’s worth noting that while Medicare — the federal program for adults 65 and older and certain individuals with disabilities — does not typically cover home modifications, Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) can cover these services through CalAIM Community Supports. Many Californians are eligible for both programs, known as “dual eligibles,” and a knowledgeable provider can help identify which benefits apply to your situation.

Not yet insured? We can help you apply for Medi-Cal

If you are currently uninsured and do not yet have Medi-Cal, you may still be able to access Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports. Pacific Health Group can help you apply for Medi-Cal so you can get the coverage and services you need. Many Californians qualify based on income, disability status, age, or other criteria, and our team can walk you through the process from start to finish.

You shouldn’t have to navigate the healthcare system alone — and you shouldn’t have to live in an unsafe home just because you don’t know where to start.

Get started with Pacific Health Group today

At Pacific Health Group, we are a trusted provider helping Medi-Cal members across California access the full range of Community Supports — including home modifications, care coordination, behavioral health navigation, medication management support, and more. Our care coordinators are here to meet you where you are and help you build a path to better health and safety at home.

Whether you need help understanding your benefits, getting a referral for Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, enrolling to be a Pacific Health Group member, or applying for Medi-Cal for the first time, our member services team is ready to help.

 Call us at (888) 341-4449 or visit us at www. 我太平洋健康 . com.