In 2024 Medi-Cal added assistive robotic arms to the Medi-Cal Durable Medical Equipment (DME) manual. This is an extremely exciting development for people with significant disabilities who receive Medi-Cal. Assistive robotic arms attach to a power wheelchair and operate like a human arm and hand, enabling people to perform many activities of daily living more independently.

Both Medicaid (or “Medi-Cal”) and Medicare cover medical equipment and supplies, also known as durable medical equipment (DME). However, Medi-Cal and Medicare have different rules regarding coverage, payment, and appeal rights.

This publication provides information about California’s new Back-Up Provider System for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and the Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) programs.

Electricity is necessary to power the devices we rely on daily. These devices are essential for a person’s health and safety. In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission ruled that California Public Utilities Code Section 451 and 399.2(a) give electric utilities authority to shut off the electric power to protect public safety.

Did you know that if you get Medi-Cal and your disability makes it hard for you to communicate, Medi-Cal might pay for communication supports that you need?

“Communication supports” are devices or services that can help a person with a disability to communicate. For example, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Assistive Technology (AT) or “Special Adaptive Equipment,” are devices that can help a person to communicate.

“Communication supports” are device or services that can help a person with a disability to communicate. Communications supports are sometimes called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), or Special Adaptive Equipment.

The term “assistive technology” means the technology used in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service for increasing, maintaining, or improving the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive technology is defined twice by Federal special education laws. It is specifically defined by the IDEA as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.”

This publication looks to answer questions you might have regarding assistive technology and how the Department of Rehabilitation can help provide those devises and/or services.

A PASS is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) work incentive. The PASS allows you to set aside income and/or assets for an employment goal.

If you are blind, eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and working, you can use a BWE to reduce your gross income which in turn reduces your countable income. Countable income is what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at to determine your monthly SSI payment amount.

IRWE deductions are available if you work and you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

There are generally two federal laws and two state laws that may require private businesses to provide you with assistive technology.

Colleges have legal obligations to provide equal opportunities to students and applicants with disabilities. These obligations apply to all college programs, services and activities, including...

State and federal anti-discrimination laws give people with disabilities the right to use assistive technology in programs, services and activities provided by public entities.