CalAIM PCHS & Respite

California's CalAIM initiative unlocks in-home care and caregiver relief services for eligible Medi-Cal members — at no additional cost. Divine Agape is here to help you access and navigate these benefits.

What is CalAIM?

CalAIM — California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — is a statewide Medi-Cal reform initiative launched in 2022. It introduced a set of Community Supports: optional services that Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) can offer to address social and health needs that fall outside traditional medical care. Personal Care & Home Supports (PCHS) and Caregiver Respite are two of the most impactful Community Supports for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families.

The Two Programs

PCHS & Respite at a Glance

Community Support #1

Personal Care & Home Supports (PCHS)

PCHS provides non-medical, hands-on help with daily living activities for Medi-Cal members who need assistance to remain safely at home.

  • Bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
  • Ambulation and mobility support
  • Meal preparation and grocery shopping
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Medication reminders
Community Support #2

Caregiver Respite

Respite provides temporary relief for unpaid family caregivers — giving them time to rest, recharge, or attend to their own needs while their loved one is professionally cared for.

  • Short-term in-home substitute care
  • Relief for primary family caregivers
  • Non-medical supervision and support
  • Flexible scheduling based on caregiver need
  • Available on a recurring or as-needed basis
How It Works

Getting Started with PCHS & Respite

Accessing these services takes a few steps, but we can walk you through every one of them.

  1. Confirm Medi-Cal Managed Care enrollment
    CalAIM Community Supports are only available to members enrolled in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP). Fee-for-service Medi-Cal members are not eligible. Call your plan or check your Medi-Cal card.
  2. Contact your Managed Care Plan
    Ask your MCP whether they offer PCHS and Caregiver Respite in your county — not all plans offer all Community Supports. Request a referral or ask about the authorization process.
  3. Get a referral or request authorization
    Your plan will require a Treatment Authorization Request (TAR). Your doctor, social worker, care manager, or discharge planner can initiate this on your behalf.
  4. Choose a provider
    Once authorized, your plan will connect you with an approved home care provider in your area — or you may request Divine Agape by name if we are contracted with your plan.
  5. Services begin
    Your care plan is set up and services start. PCHS can begin while you wait for IHSS to be approved and can supplement IHSS hours that fall short of your needs.
Explore the Full Guide

Everything You Need to Know

Use these pages to go deeper on each topic — whether you're a client, a family member, or another organization helping someone navigate CalAIM.

We Help You Access CalAIM Benefits

Divine Agape works directly with Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to provide PCHS and Respite services to eligible members. Contact us to find out if we serve your plan and county.

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