Dear Advocate:
Hair Cuts/Grooming
Dear Advocate,
My grandmother receives Medi-Cal benefits at a skilled nursing facility. She
likes to get a hair cut and a permanent every month? Does Medi-Cal pay for haircuts
and/or permanents or does my grandmother pay for them from her $35 personal
needs allowance?
Grandson in Santa Rosa
Dear Grandson in Santa Rosa,
A skilled nursing facility is required to provide periodic hair trims
to residents as part of the Medi-Cal daily rate. Hair trims are considered
simple hair trims for women and hair cuts given to men. This does not
include styling, permanents or dyes which are provided by a licensed barber
or beautician. The facility can charge for beauty shop services. (W&
I § 14110.4)
According to California law, all residents in skilled nursing facilities should
be provided with care which show evidence of good personal hygiene which includes
shampooing and grooming of hair and shaving or beard trimming (CCR § 72315).