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).
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
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).
Medi-Cal Pre-Populated renewal forms have been translated
DHCS has issued a letter with the MC 216 pre-populated renewal forms, which have now been translated into the threshold languages. DHCS ACWDL 15-09 (1/30/15).
The effect of the January 2015 COLA on Medi-Cal eligibility
DHCS has issued guidance on how to process the 2015 cost of living adjustment in SAWS. This COLA does not affect MAGI groups, and CalHEERS will wait for the 2015 FPL updates to run retroactive eligibility batches. The letter provides instructions on calculating gross income for Social Security recipients and Pickle amendment applicants. The letter also lays out SSI/SSP payment levels, 2015 resource limits, benefit rates, and Pickle disregards. DHCS ACWDL 15-08 (2/9/15).
Medi-Cal coverage of podiatric and chiropractic services provided by FQHCs and RHCs
DHCS issued a letter to all Medi-Cal managed care plans regarding podiatric and chiropractic services in light of California Rural Health Clinics v. Douglas. If these services are provided at a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Center, plans shall cover them but may restrict reimbursement to contracted providers. APL 15-003 (1/26/15).