Author: Stephen Goldberg

COVID-19 ongoing child care for at-risk populations

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding child care services for the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children (Bridge Program) and other at-risk populations during the COVID-19 emergency.

Children at-risk should continue to receiving child care at the request of the caregiver or parent even if the caregiver or parent is not employed in a job designated as essential.

If a Bridge Program voucher is scheduled to expire during the emergency period, counties may extend the voucher for 60 days.  This flexibility is in place until June 30, 2020 or when the State of Emergency has ended, whichever is earlier.  When the family secures a long-term child care placement, the Bridge Program voucher is terminated.  (ACWDL, May 4, 2020.)

COVID-19 CalWORKs diversion

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance implementing Executive Order N-59-20 regarding CalWORKs diversion.  This guidance expires on June 30, 2020.

Diversion is a cash or non-cash payment or service to resolve the need to apply for CalWORKs. The requirement for apparent eligibility for CalWORKs is waived if the applicant’s gross income is under 200% of the federal poverty level.  The applicant must be otherwise apparently eligible for CalWORKs.  There is no asset test for this expanded diversion.  This expansion of diversion is for a need related to COVID-19.  The maximum diversion payment is $5,000.  (ACWDL, May 4, 2020.)

COVID-19 CalWORKs pregnancy verification, identity verification, interview and signature requirements

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance implementing Executive Order N-59-20.  This guidance expires on June 30, 2020.

For aid to a pregnant person in a family that does not include another child, applicants can submit a sworn statement verifying pregnancy when medical verification of pregnancy cannot be provided.  Applicants who cannot provide either medical verification or a sworn statement can provide verbal attestation and medical verification within 30 days.  If after 30 days the applicant presents evidence of good-faith efforts to obtain and submit medical verification, the county must continue aid.  Pregnancy verification must be provided within 90 days after the California Department of Public Health no longer requires physical distancing.

In general, applicants must present photo identification in person before aid can be granted.  A sworn affidavit is acceptable but individuals must present photo identification within 30 days for aid to continue.  If county offices are closed because of COVID-19, aid will continue until the applicant can submit photo identification in person without needing to present evidence of good faith efforts to obtain or submit photo identification.   Applicants will be asked to submit photo identification electronically and to present photo identification in person within 90 days after the California Department of Public Health no longer requires physical distancing.

The requirement for signatures on the CalWORKs application and Rights and Responsibilities form is waived.  When a telephonic or electronic signature is unavailable, the county can document verbal attestation in the case file.  Following verbal attestation, the county must mail the Statement of Facts to the client to be returned via U.S. Mail within 30 working days.  If the applicant presents evidence of good faith efforts to submit the wet signature by mail, the county must continue aid.

The requirement for an interview for applicants is suspended for applicants whose identity has been verified and who have submitted all required verification.  This includes requests for immediate need.

Counties are reminded that when verification does not exist a sworn statement is adequate.  Counties cannot deny applications for failure to provide evidence if the county determines that the applicant is making a good faith effort.

These rules also apply to Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance and Trafficking and Crimes Victims Assistance Program.  (ACWDL, May 4, 2020.)

COVID-19 Medi-Cal managed care guidance

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The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued information to Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP) about changes because of COVID-19.  Several fee-for-service policies already issued apply to Medi-Cal including providing care in alternative settings, pharmacy, transporation and telehealth.  MCPs must waive prior authorization requirements, including screening and testing, for services related to COVID-19.  MCPs are strongly encouraged to implement expedited authorization procedures during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

For Health Homes, DHCS encourages MCPs and their contracted Community-Based Care Management Entities to use telephone and video conference assessments.  In-person requirements are suspended until the COVID-19 emergency declaration is rescinded.

The requirement for an Initial Health Assessment for newly enrolled members within 120 days is temporarily suspended.  MCPs can deter Initial Health Assessments until the COVID-19 emergency declaration is rescinded.  However, Initial Health Assessments must be done for these members when the public health emergency is over.  (APL 20-004, April 27, 2020.)

COVID-19 CCS guidance

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The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued guidance regarding California Childrens Services and Special Care Centers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Policies issued by DHCS regarding Medi-Cal services apply to CCS when Medi-Cal beneficiaries are seeking services from CCS paneled providers.

All DHCS telehealth policies for Medi-Cal services apply to CCS.  Medically necessary CCS services can be delivered in-person or by telehealth.  CCS providers and SCCs should implement telehealth to provide remote consultation during the public health emergency.  DHCS and managed care plans must reimburse CCS providers at the same rate whether services are provided in person or by telehealth if the service is the same regardless of how it is delivered.

The requirement for an in-person Annual Team Conference for SCCs is suspended for the duration of the public health emergency.  DHCS has waived the requirement for an Annual Team Conference as a precondition for authorization of other new or re-authorized services for CCS clients.

CCS hearings may be conducted by phone or video conference.

DHCS is temporarily suspending prior authorization requirements.  Treatment Authorization Requests (TAR) and Service Authorization Requests (SAR) are still required but may be submitted after the date of service.

Telehealth may be used for visits related to a durable medical equipment order, including repairs and supplies.  TAR/SAR can be submitted retrospectively.

DHCS is providing flexibility for High Risk Infant Follow-up (HRIF) services for clinic to use individual approaches for follow-up services.  The age-out limit for HRIF is extended so that the third and final standard visit may be performed up to age 42 months.  (DHCS notice, April 28, 2020.)

COVID-19 Medi-Cal subacute care programs

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The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued guidance Medi-Cal subacute care programs because of COVID-19.  DHCS will not waive Medi-Cal subacute staffing minimums.  DHCS has placed a hold on the lifting of Bans of Admission, bed increases, and new applications until further notice.

Ongoing training requirements are suspended.

Providers can cover CNA staffing hour shortages with excess licensed staffing hours as long as the hour shortages and excesses occur on the same day.

At pediatric subacute care units only, programs can reduce the number of Service Coordinator/Social Worker staffing hours.  (PPL 20-01, April 10, 2020.)