End of CalFresh change reporting

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Currently, migrant and seasonal worker households, homeless household and households in which all adults are elderly or disabled are subject to change reporting, that is reporting all changes in household income or composition within 10 days. SB 79 Sections 54 and 55 require the elimination of change reporting and converting all households to semi-annual reporting by January 2017.

CDSS has issused instructions about transitioning these households to semi-annual reporting. CDSS states that counties that use the CalWIN computer system will convert on June 1, 2016 and counties that use the C-IV and LEADER computer systems will convert on July 1, 2016. CDSS will sent information notices to all effected households six months and three months before the change. In addition, CDSS directed counties to find good cause for late submission of a semi-annual report for twelve months after the change to semi-annual reporting occurs if the report is submitted in the first month after it is due.  ACL 15-90 (10/30/15).

Medi-Cal households to receive 1095-B letter

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Starting this week, DHCS is sending Medi-Cal beneficiaries information about the 1095-B that households will need to show minimum essential coverage for the year at tax filing.  The 1095-B forms themselves will be mailed out no later than January 31, 2016.  The letter includes English and Spanish language versions of the DHCS letter and a call center script.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-36 (10/30/15).

Counties may continue accepting older Medi-Cal applications

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According to state law, counties are supposed to stop accepting older, non-single streamlined applications for Medi-Cal after January 1, 2016.  However, DHCS is requiring counties to continue to accept these older applications (including the SAWS 2 PLUS) and request any additional information necessary to make MAGI and non-MAGI determinations as appropriate until any remaining supplies are exhausted.  DHCS ACWDL 15-34 (10/28/15).

Notices for 1095-B at Initial Medi-Cal Application

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Counties must offer a 1095-B beneficiary notice to all households at application for insurance affordability programs including Medi-Cal.  The Notice will provide information about the Form 1095-B and remind all applicants to report all changes that may affect program eligibility to their county worker.  DHCS included English and Spanish language versions of the Notice.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-35 (10/26/15).

CalFresh COLA

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CDSS has issued the CalFresh cost of living increase for Federal Fiscal Year 2016. Effective October 1, 2015, the maximum CalFresh grants increases to $194 per month for a one person household with similar increases for larger households. The maximum shelter deduction increases to $504. The standard deduction increases to $155 for a one to three person household with similar increases for larger households. The standard utility allowance increases to $385, the limited utility allowance increases to $118 and the telephone utility allowance decreases to $19.

CDSS included a chart of new income eligibility standards, maximum allotments, and deductions. ACIN I-75-15 (9/4/15).

Counties must review Share of Cost cases for MAGI eligibility

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The State issued an urgent reminder to counties to review caseloads for share of cost cases (or potential share of cost cases denied due to assets) for MAGI eligibility.  These cases should be appropriately determined back to January 1, 2014, so that the state can issue proper 1095-B forms and get individuals signed up for Covered California where appropriate.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-29 (10/22/15).