Medi-Cal Update 2024-4 Minor Changes - Waiver Extension, Mail Process, Self-Employment Income MAGI

Summary of Minor Changes to Medi-Cal 

Date	References	Clerical	Implementation
10/17/24	ACWDL 24-06, ACWDL 15-06	N/A	Immediately

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Background

The following policies have been revised in their respective Handbook chapters.

Changes

Federal Waivers and Flexibilities

The use of the federally approved unwinding waivers and flexibilities has been extended through June 30, 2025. Unwinding Period Processing Guidance and Unwinding Period Flexibilities have been updated. 

 

Temporary Undeliverable Mail Process

Undeliverable mail envelopes reporting an in-state forwarding address by the United States Postal Service (USPS) are considered reliable and valid forwarding addresses and can be used to update case records. The Handbook Topics Discontinuance for Whereabouts Unknown, and Loss of Contact have been updated. The guidance in Program Directive 23-01 is now obsolete since this is no longer considered a temporary process.

 

Clarification of Self-Employment Income Deductions for MAGI Medi-Cal

The use of the 40% standard income deduction may only be used when budgeting CalFresh and/or Cash Aid Programs and cannot be used in MAGI Medi-Cal budgeting. The actual allowable expenses reported by the client must be used. Chapter 13, MAGI MC Income, Self-Employment Income topic has been updated. 

 

Other Programs

These changes only affect the Medi-Cal Program. 

 

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Department of Employment & Benefits Services

Contact Person(s): Megan Turney, SSA BPIS