DHCS ACWDL 14-06: Express Lane Enrollment for CalFresh Eligible Adults and Children

CMS authorized DHCS to grant MAGI Medi-Cal eligibility automatic to CalFRESH eligibles who do not have current Medi-Cal eligibility. Individuals must be under 65, not blind or disabled and without Medicare or Medi-Cal.  These individuals will receive an opt-in letter and may opt in by phone, mail or online.  The letter (here) details how express lane enrollees can remain eligble and the impact of changed circumstances as well as CalFRESH termination.

DHCS ACWDL 14-05: Continuous Eligibility for Children

This letter, gives counties instruction on the application of Continuous Eligibility for Children (CEC) in light of new federal guidance and the transition of Healthy Families Program (HFP) to Medi-Cal. Provides that children on both MAGI and non-MAGI Medi-Cal children retain eligibility for 12 months (starting with date of eligibility) or until they turn 20.  It further explains noticing and procedures for changed circumstances and also clarifies that former foster youth and former HFP enrollees are not subject to 10 day reporting requirement that Medi-Cal beneficiaries with other linkages are subject to.  Read the entire letter here.

 

 

DHCS ACWDL 14-03: 2014 Renewals: Converting Pre-ACA Medi-Cal Beneficiaries to MAGI Medi-Cal

This letter (here) explains new ex parte review process for MAGI Medi-Cal annual reviews.  Informs counties that pre-ACA Medi-Cal cases will be redetermined starting in May 2014 and provides a schedule for January 2014 -April 2014 redeterminations. At the first post-2014 counties will collect baseline information from pre-ACA Medi-Cal enrollees in order to move them into MAGI Medi-Cal by sending the Request for Tax Household Information (copy is attached to the letter). The errata to this letter, available here, states that redeterminations will not begin until June 2014.

DHCS All Plan Letter 14-004 Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral to Treatment for Misuse of Alcohol

This letter explains the obligations of Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) to providing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) services for beneficiaries ages 18 and over who misuse alcohol.   PCPs must offer a Staying Healthy Assessment within 120 days of enrollment and every 3 years.  Plans are required to cover and pay for expanded alcohol screening for member 18 years and older who answer “yes” to the alcohol question on the assessment or any time a PCP identifies alcohol misuse problem. The letter can be found here.