This ACWDL combines all past rules on Midyear Status Reports (MSR) with the new rule that non-exempt children must file MSRs. All the exemptions from MSRs remain the same, except children effected by the CEC change from 12 to 6 months as described in ACWDL 08-55. This letter contains several example scenarios, FAQs, the revised MSR, revised NOAs, and sample outreach materials. [Download]

As of 1/1/2009 the continuing eligibility period for child will be reduced from 12 months to 6 months. Children who are currently on Medi-Cal will be able to stay on for 12 months if they have already passed their midyear status report (MSR) month, if it has not passed they must submit an MSR at the end of their 6 month CEC period. Infants who are deemed eligible (DE) in the birth month will continue to get Medi-Cal until age one year. The letter includes 20 examples of how this policy change will work in different scenarios. It also includes Questions and Answers. [Download]

The DRA citizenship and identification verification requirements do not apply to state-only funded Medi-Cal programs. Only 5 programs are identified in the letter as state-only programs. [Download]

Effective December 26, 2007, eligible Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants (SIs) are entitled to time limited refugee medical assistance (RMA). Iraqi SIs have 8 months of eligibility for RMA, Afghani SIs have 6 months of eligibility. Eligibility begins to run either from the date of arrival in the US if SI status was attained outside the US, or from the date of grant of LPR status if status was adjusted to SI in the states. The ACWDL has an explanatory time chart, as well as examples of acceptable documentation, and sample NOAs. [Download]

The A&D FPL couples income limit, currently $1,524, will be increased on January 1, 2009, to the 2009 SSI/SSP couple payment standard of $1,579. The A&D FPL income limit for an individual will remain at $1,097 as it is still greater than the SSI/SSP 2009 individual payment level. [Download]

Effective January 1, 2009, the Title II COLA increase is 5.8 percent. The letter gives instructions on how to calculate the new share of cost for both those who do pay the Medicare Part B premium, and for those who do not, as well as Pickle specific instructions. Included with the letter are new charts and other information from the Pickle Handbook. [Download]