Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) in California

Contract types (Type A / B / C)

• Type A (life care): higher entry fee; monthly fee stays relatively stable as care needs rise. Extensive prepaid healthcare risk pooling.
• Type B (modified): mid-range entry fee; some care days or discounted higher levels included, then higher rates apply.
• Type C (fee-for-service): lower entry fee; you pay market rates when you move to assisted living or nursing care.

What families typically pay (national, cited ranges)

National consumer guidance commonly places entry fees from about $100,000 to $1,000,000+ (studio through large unit, refundable vs non-refundable) and monthly fees often in the $2,000–$5,000+ range before higher-acuity care. Figures vary widely by campus and contract. See AARP CCRC overview. These are national ranges, not a California median.

12 questions before you sign

1. What contract type is this (A, B, or C), in plain language?
2. What exactly does the entry fee buy, and what does it not cover?
3. Is any of the entry fee refundable, on what schedule, and to whom?
4. How do monthly fees change when care needs increase?
5. What is the historical annual monthly-fee increase (last 5–10 years)?
6. What health conditions can force a move or contract termination?
7. Who decides the level-of-care move: the community, a doctor, or you?
8. What happens if the community's finances weaken?
9. Can you review audited financials and occupancy trends?
10. Is the community registered with the state CCRC / insurance regulator?
11. What is excluded (memory care, private duty, medications, second person)?
12. Have an elder-law attorney review the contract before deposit?

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and similar settings in California resolve concerns about care and rights. Call 1-800-231-4024.

Find your local ombudsman

Medicaid programs for care at home

• Medi-Cal long-term services and supports (LTSS). State Medicaid / LTSS entry point (DHCS Medi-Cal). Use for HCBS pathway discovery alongside named waivers.

National helplines

• Eldercare Locator · 800-677-1116

  Free nationwide connection to local aging services.

• 211

  Local health and human services referrals.

• NCOA BenefitsCheckUp

  Screen for benefits you may qualify for.

• DIAL

  ACL Disability Information and Access Line.

• VA health benefits

  Veterans health care and long-term care programs.