DHCS issued a letter with information and guidance to counties regarding cases for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs) URMs who are otherwise eligible get no share of cost full scope Medi-Cal benefits, and are to be treated like foster care children for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes.
Three state-designated URM program service providers should submit applications to the county of residence on behalf of URMs placed with the agency. Social workers will provide verification letters as proof of eligibility for refugees. County welfare departments must not delay or deny services for failure to provide the SSN or verification of immigration status, though counties should work to verify status in order to maximize federal financial participation.
URM individuals are eligible for full scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status. Those who meet former foster youth (FFY) eligibility requirements are eligible to continue receiving full scope Medi-Cal under the FFY program. Counties must follow the appropriate rules on annual redetermination and inter-county transfers.
DHCS ACWDL 18-14 (July 3, 2018).