Does MSSP replace IHSS?

CDA says most MSSP participants also receive IHSS. MSSP adds care management. It is not a replacement paycheck.

Is there a wait list?

Often. Capacity is local. Ask the site. This page does not invent a wait time.

CDA’s find-services-in-my-county page and the local MSSP site. Keep the county IHSS office in the loop.

Programs

What is MSSP?

Updated September 16, 2026. Reviewed September 16, 2026 against public CDSS, DHCS, Medicare.gov, VA, and CareScout 2025 California tables. County wages, hours, and wait times still change. Official .gov pages decide.

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program is care management that often sits next to IHSS for eligible older adults, subject to local capacity and wait lists.

Based on public CDSS, DHCS, Medicare.gov, VA, and California Department of Insurance pages retrieved 2026-09-16. County, Medi-Cal, Medicare, VA, and insurer staff decide what actually pays. Hourly rates, hour totals, waiver slots, and wait times are local and change.

Short answer

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) is care management that CDA describes for eligible older adults. Most participants also receive IHSS. MSSP may purchase some extra supports within program rules and capacity. It is not a second IHSS check. Sites have limits. A wait list is a program fact.

Who decides

MSSP sites and CDA apply program rules. County IHSS offices still run IHSS. Ask whether the local site is accepting referrals.

What to do next

Use CDA’s county finder, ask whether the local MSSP site is open, and keep the IHSS file moving. Do not treat a wait list as a personal failing.

What CDA emphasizes

CDA also says the combined cost of MSSP care management and other services must stay below the cost of skilled nursing care under program rules. Ask the site how that works. Do not guess a dollar amount from this page.

Questions people ask

Does MSSP replace IHSS?: CDA says most MSSP participants also receive IHSS. MSSP adds care management. It is not a replacement paycheck.
Is there a wait list?: Often. Capacity is local. Ask the site. This page does not invent a wait time.
Who should I call?: CDA’s find-services-in-my-county page and the local MSSP site. Keep the county IHSS office in the loop.

Official sources for this page

Official program pages: CDSS: In-Home Supportive Services, CDSS: IHSS for children, County IHSS offices, CDSS: IHSS providers, CDSS: county IHSS wage rates, CDSS: provider orientation, CDSS: Electronic Visit Verification, CDSS: Electronic Services Portal, DHCS: Medi-Cal, Apply for Medi-Cal, BenefitsCal, CDSS: hearing requests, CDSS: forms catalog, CDSS: IHSS overtime and workweek, DDS: regional centers.