When a student attends college in a different county, the family needs to inform the county of this change.  The county will update only the student’s address in SAWS and MEDS.  This change will trigger change in health plans where applicable, and the student can pick a new health plan based on the student’s college address.  Until the student enrolls in a new plan, Medi-Cal benefits will be administered on a fee for service basis.  If a student returns home for a school break and needs services, the student will need to update the address of record.

DHCS has issued this guidance along with a Frequently Asked Questions.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-32 (10/20/15).

DHCS is clarifying NOA issuing requirements for Medi-Cal discontinuances when the beneficiary is over income for MAGI, not eligible for consumer protection programs, and has no potential non-MAGI eligibility.  Counties must issue a timely and adequate manual discontinuance notice when an individual loses eligibility for one of the above mentioned reasons, whether or not the individual is eligible for Covered California coverage.  Sample NOAs are included with the letter.  DHCS ACWDL 15-33 (10/9/15)

Spanish versions of the notices are available with DHCS MEDIL I 15-33 (10/16/15).

As of December 31, 2014, PE coverage begins on the date of the eligibility determination and ends at the end of the following month if no Medi-Cal application is submitted for full determination.  Previously, presumptive eligibility went back to the first day of the month for a 60-day enrollment period.  There is no change to the end date of eligibility.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-31 (9/24/15)

Managed care plans are to contact county office liaisons to provide updated contact information for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.  If the plan has received the beneficiary’s approval, the counties must incorporate these changes immediately.  If the plan does not have the beneficiary’s approval, a county worker must verify the changes before making them.  DHCS ACWDL 15-30 (9/22/15).

DHCS has explained that the application batching process that allowed the state to mitigate some of the 2014 application backlog through Accelerated Enrollment (AE) has ended.  DHCS is still required to send Rivera Notices of Inaction when an application is pending for 45 days or more.  DHCS will continue to monitor how many applications remain pending after 45 days, with the possibility that AE batching may resume to help mitigate any further application delays.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-27 (9/18/15).