DHCS has informed counties about the increase in the standard and parent allocations for SSI in 2015. This DHCS letter also includes information about the decrease in Medicare Part A premiums, and the lack of change for Part B premiums and deductibles. Similarly, the property levels for the various Medicare Savings Programs remain at $7,160 for an individual and $10,750 for a couple. DHCS ACWDL 15-13 (3/3/15).
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal Aged and Disabled FPL thresholds updated
DHCS issued guidance to the counties that updates the income limits for the Aged and Disabled FPL programs to $1211 for individuals and $1638 for couples. The amounts are based on 100% of the federal poverty level plus a standard disregard ($230 for individuals, $310 for couples). DHCS ACWDL 15-12 (2/27/15).
MAGI Medi-Cal Beneficiaries may be eligible for PACE program
DHCS issued guidance to the counties, noting that MAGI Medi-Cal beneficiaries could be eligible to participate in Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as long as they met all other requirements. The letter provides a list of program contacts for PACE, a program that allows participants to avoid institutionalization and stay at home. DHCS ACWDL 15-11 (2/27/2015).
New Aid for determining MAGI income types and deductions
DHCS issued guidance to the counties about what types of income deductions are used for MAGI Medi-Cal and Covered California determinations. The information is being incorporated into CalHEERS. The letter includes a chart that lists the types of deductions and sources of income, as well as whether to count it for either Medi-Cal or Covered California purposes. DHCS MEDIL I 15-03 (2/27/15).
Counties no longer need to make third contact for pending Medi-Cal applications
This letter informs counties that they no longer have to make a third contact for verification of pending applications. DHCS MEDIL I 15-02 (2/12/15).
Medi-Cal premium waivers for American Indians/Alaskan Natives on the Targeted Low Income Children Program
The letter provides information about processing requests for waiver of premium payments for eligible American Indian and Alaskan Native child as allowed by federal statute. Workers will submit waiver requests for the Optional Targeted Low Income Children Program (OTLICP) with parental self-attestation or tribal health letter. DHCS ACWDL 15-10 (2/10/15).