Relative caregivers of foster children who are not eligible for federal foster care payments may be eligible for an equivalent payment through the Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) program if their counties elect to participate in the program. While the households of relative caregivers might be eligible for CalWORKs benefits for non-federally eligible foster children, those payments are lower than the federal foster care payment rate. This letter explains the eligibility requirements for the children and caregivers and instructs the counties on the requirements of the program and how to opt in or out, in accordance with Welf. & Inst. Code §11461.3. ACL 14-89.
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
Change in Third Party Administrator for CMSP Benefits
As of April 1, 2015, CMSP medical and dental benefits will be authorized by Advanced Medical Management, taking over for Anthem Blue Cross. On March 3, 2015, beneficiaries were mailed notices regarding this transition. CMSP ACL 15-02 (3/3/15).
AEVS responses and the Medi-Cal Provider Operations Manual will be updated to reflect this change as of April 1, 2015. DHCS MEDIL I 15-06 (3/6/15).
Updates to SSI Allocations and MSP property limits
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).
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).