A NOA workgroup has been meeting since 2007 to resolve NOA issues. This ACWDL implements two interim measures recommended by the NOA workgroup. Another ACWDL is predicted to follow in Fall 2008 with the long-term improvement of a simplified NOA format. The two interim measures in this ACWDL are 1) to eliminate multiple or conflicting NOAs and 2) to ensure that individuals have access to bilingual/interpretive services. The letter lays out steps for the counties to take to realize the two interim measures. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
ACWDL 08-33: The extension of the Qualifying Individual 1 program sunset date to December 31, 2009 (7/31/08)
The QI1 program is a Medicare savings program that pays the Medicare Part B premium for people under 135% of the FPL. The programs sunset date has been extended until December 31, 2009. Counties will continue to accept applications until DHCS notifies them that the program has been discontinued. [Download]
ACWDL 08-29: Final federal rule changes to the citizenship/ identity requirements for Medi-Cal eligibility (7/9/2008)
This all county letter updates information and instructions from ACWDL 07-12 with new federal DRA policy clarifications and changes. A few of the major changes/ clarifications are:
- Former Medicare and SSI beneficiaries are not exempt from having to provide identification and citizenship verification.
- While there are several different tiers of documents, counties must accept the evidence provided as the best available evidence including affidavits.
- SAVE verification is acceptable evidence of citizenship for naturalized citizens.
- Verification that an adopted child has met the requirements for establishing citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act is acceptable evidence of citizenship.
- Naturalized Citizens may use affidavits of citizenship which do not need to be notarized.
There are many other changes/ clarifications in the letter detailing what documentation can be used to prove citizenship and identification. There are several specific documents now available as proof for children under 16. The letter includes amended notices, forms, and detailed descriptions of acceptable DRA documents. [Download]
ACL 08-29: Statewide Policy Regarding The Recertification Process Requirements In The Food Stamp Program (6/25/08)
Clarification of the recert process for Food Stamps and new notices. The new forms must be used starting no later than January 1, 2009. No more check box that says “call your worker.” Instead, the county must send one notice listing the end of the certification period, and another with an actual appointment date. The appointment letter states whether in person or by phone. [Download]
ACWDL 08-28: Revision to All County Welfare Directors Letter 08-14 (6/30/2008)
This ACWDL updates the format and content of the NOAs and Consent forms for the Healthy Families Program/ Medi-Cal joint application. The NOAs and consent forms are now available in the eleven threshold languages. [Download]
ACWDL 08-27: Retroactive coverage for presumptive eligibility for the pregnant women program (6/18/2008)
This ACWDL reminds counties that women on PE Medi-Cal do not get full coverage. Workers should give women on PE information on how to apply for Medi-Cal and retroactive Medi-Cal. The retroactive Medi-Cal can cover things PE did not cover, such as labor and delivery. [Download]