AB720 Pre-Release Questions and Answers

How far in advance can a pre-release application be intiated?

Answer: As soon as the application is assigned to the EW.

What should the county do if eligibility is established but the release date changes and it is too late to correct the eligibility?  Answer: The county must suspend the MC benefits of the inmate and then lift the suspension when the inmate is released, if the individual is still eligible.

Once a county has placed the pre-release applicant into the appropriate MC aid code, how long will it take for a BIC to be generated and delivered? Answer: It will take up to 10 business days for a BIC to be generated from MEDS and delivered to the mailing address in MEDS.

Where will the BIC and MC Managed Care Enrollment Packet be sent?                                                                                      Answer: The BIC and the MC Managed Care Enrollment Packet will be sent to the mailing address in MEDS. For CDCR pre-release applicants, this address will typically be the mailing address of the AR who is helping the inmate apply for MC. Counties should ensure an inmate’s mailing address is correct in MEDS so that the BIC and MC Managed Care Enrollment Packet are sent to the pre-release AR whenever possible. The goal is to ensure the inmate has their BIC in hand and has completed the MC Managed Care Enrollment Packet prior to release.

 When should a temporary paper BIC be issued? Answer: If there is not enough time for the BIC to be generated and sent securely to inmate’s AR upon release, counties should securely issue a temporary paper BIC.

 What if a pre-release applicant is on an inmate aid code in MEDS and the county is unable to update eligibility as needed for a pre-release applicant? Answer: If a pre-release applicant is on an inmate aid code controlled by the state, and the EW is unable to update eligibility in MEDS, county staff should contact state MCIEP staff by sending an e-mail to mciep@dhcs.ca.gov. Counties should take steps to protect confidential or personal information by sending these communications by secure e-mail when necessary.