Medi-Cal changes will benefit people over 50

Published 2/15/22; updated 5/2/22

Changes to Medi-Cal rules are coming soon for people over 50.

You may qualify for more Medi-Cal benefits. Full-scope Medi-Cal will be available to all people who are 50 years of age or older who meet all Medi-Cal eligibility criteria, and immigration status will not matter. (Start date for this change: 5/1/22.) For more information, see this DHCS webpage on the older adult expansion; you'll find a great FAQ sheet linked there.

You may be able to keep your assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal. These changes will also let people keep more property (assets) and still qualify for Medi-Cal. (Start date for this change: 7/1/22.) For more information, see this DHCS webpage on the asset limit changes for non-MAGI Medi-Cal.

Free fresh food for eligible seniors

The Area Agency on Aging is distributing Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons to eligible senior citizens. The coupon books can be used to purchase up to $20 in fresh fruits and vegetables at WIC-authorized Certified Farmers’ Markets countywide. Seniors over the age of 60 and on a limited income are eligible to receive the FREE coupon book. For example, a single-person household can be eligible with an income up to $1926.00 a month. Quantities are limited. Available only while supply lasts. See these printable flyers with coupon distribution information for North County and South County, or phone 805-925-9554 for more information.

Lompoc Senior Health Expo coming up May 15

People over 50 are invited to attend the Lompoc Senior Health & Fitness Expo on Friday May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center, 1120 W. Ocean Ave.

• For your enjoyment, there will be a healthy lunch, door prizes, entertainment, and a cooking demo. For your health, there will be checks available for cholesterol and blood sugar (fasting required), blood pressure, bone density, skin cancer, and vision.
• For your information, community organizations including the Department of Social Services will answer questions and present information on topics such as community resources, Medicare, fraud & scam prevention, fall prevention, Alzheimer’s & dementia, diabetes, and advance directives.
• Free transportation is available. For information, call 805-875-8098, or download the flyer.

Local Public Forum on Aging held

County Supervisor Doreen Farr, Congresswoman Lois Capps,
and Phylene Wiggins of the Santa Barbara Foundation at the event. 

In preparation for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, a Public Forum on Aging was held in Buellton on February 18 to gather public input from Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County residents. Nearly 100 people attended the forum and 36 presented comment/testimony.