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Medi-Cal Update 2023-3 Minor Changes - CVB, Medicare Enrollment, Youth Tax Credit, APPR, AVP, Guaranteed Income
Summary of Minor Changes to Medi-Cal
| Date | References | Clerical | Handbook(s) Revised |
| 3/22/2023 | MEDIL I 23-04, MEDIL I 23-08, MEDIL I 23-10, ACWDL 23-06, MEDIL 22-23, and ACWDL 22-13. | N/A |
MCHB Sections: 4, 8, 13, 15, 20, and 35. DEBS-Business Process: Chapter 24. Charts Handbook Section: 5 |
Background
The following policies have been revised in their respective handbook chapters.
Changes
Guidance for Craig Vs. Bonta Processing During Continuous Coverage Unwinding Period
Negative actions must be delayed for Craig Vs.Bonta (CvB) beneficiaries for the remainder of the Continuous Coverage requirement through March 31, 2023. CvB cases that went unprocessed before March 31, 2023, must be redetermined at their next annual renewal during the Continuous Coverage Unwinding period with the exception of requiring 30-days instead of 20-days for the MC 355 form.
CvB cases received on or after April 1, 2023, are to be processed as applications as continuous coverage requirements do not apply to these applications. Craig v Bontá - Loss of SSI/SSP and DEBS-BP Section 24.3 Craig v.Bonta Process have been revised.
Medicare Enrollment Date Changes for 2023
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) to apply for Medi-Care is between January and March of each year with coverage becoming effective the following July 1. Beginning January 1, 2023, when an individual enrolls anytime during the GEP, coverage becomes effective the first day of the following month. Enrollment Periods, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program and MC Buy-In Chart have been updated.
Young Child and Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) for MAGI and Non-MAGI MC
For MAGI, FYTC is an extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). FYTC are excluded from gross income and must not be counted as income when determining financial eligibility for MAGI applicants or recipients. For Non-MAGI, FYTC are exempt as income whether received as a tax refund or an advance payment for when determining eligibility for Non-MAGI Medi-Cal. FTYC is also exempt as property for 12 months following the month of receipt. Income Definitions has been updated in the MCHB.
2023 Statewide Average Private Pay Rate (APPR) for Nursing Facilities
The 2023 Statewide APPR value increased to $11,576 and has been updated in the Charts Handbook- Statewide Average Private Pay Rate (APPR).
Asset Verification Program Change
Use of the Asset Verification Report for Non-MAGI and LTC cases at application, redetermination, CIC and special case (responsible relative) searches. Verification Requirements at MC RD and CIC and Verifications of Applications have been revised.
Use of Guaranteed Income Payment Program for Medi-Cal
Guaranteed income programs from disaster relief or emergency assistance are not taxable and exempt for the MAGI program. If the monies are not related to disaster relief or emergency assistance and taxable, the monies are not exempt and to be included in the MAGI eligibility determination.
For non-MAGI programs, disaster relief or emergency assistance income are permanently exempt and not to be included in the property determination. If the monies are not related to disaster relief or emergency assistance they are to be counted as income in the month of receipt and property the following month. Income and Deduction Types and Income Definitions have been updated in the MCHB.
Implementation
The changes in this Update are effective upon receipt.
Supervisors
Please share these changes with staff at your next unit meeting.
Angela Shing, Director
Department of Employment & Benefit Services
Contact Person(s): Erica De La Pena and Manuel Garcia, Application and Decision Support Specialists, 408-755-7540.