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Medi-Cal Update 2023-10
Summary of Minor Changes to Medi-Cal
| Date | References | Clerical | Handbook(s) Revised |
| 11/7/2023 | MEDIL I 23-46, ACWDL 23-13, ACWDL 23-18 | N/A | MC HB Sections 29, 19, 31 |
Background
The following policies have been revised in their respective handbook chapters.
Changes
Refugee Medical Assistance Extension
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is extending the Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) eligibility period from eight months to twelve months for RMA-eligible individuals whose RMA eligibility began on October 1, 2021 or later and the first month of RMA eligibility was less than twelve months ago. All other RMA eligibility requirements remain unchanged and in effect. All MC HB sections referencing Medi-Cal Eligibility Period for RMA have been revised.
Verification of Spousal Income Allocation for Non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Spousal Impoverishment Cases
Verification of the Spousal Income Allocation actually being given/transferred to the community spouse is required before the Share of Cost (SOC) is calculated at intake or for retro months. A written or verbal affidavit is an allowable form of verification if paper documentation is unavailable. The Institutionalized Spouse or the Community Spouse can sign the affidavit stating that the income is being transferred. Verification is not necessary in the case of couples with joint checking accounts. Income Allocations has been updated in the MC HB.
Possible Institutional Deeming of Two Home and Community- Based Services Spouses and Eligibility Determinations For Registered Domestic Partners When Both Request Home and Community Based Services
When both Spouses become institutionalized or request a waiver/IHSS spousal impoverishment provisions no longer apply. If the couple has a share of cost after completing the Medi-Cal hierarchy, institutional deeming is triggered and each spouse is placed in their own MFBU of one.
In cases where both Registered Domestic Partners (RDPs) participate in HCBS Waiver and Programs and request Medi-Cal, they are treated as unmarried individuals. Each RDP is in a separate MFBU and each RDP would benefit from the $130,000 property limit for one person. Spousal Impoverishment Provisions at Initial Request for Services has been updated.
Medi-Cal Inmate Eligibility Program (MCIEP)
Medi-Cal Inmate Eligibility Program (MCIEP) section has been updated to reflect that Notices of Action (NOAs) should be sent to the case address on file and not to the Sheriff's Department AR. Guidance has been added for providers that are reporting billing issues. They may contact MCIEP directly via email at DHCSIMCU@dhcs.ca.gov for assistance.
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 & Benefits Services
Contact Person(s): Megan Turney, SSA BPIS, 408-755-7540.