Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing federal guidance authorizes the states to require, through Medicaid demonstration projects, certain adult Medicaid beneficiaries to participate in work or community engagement activities as a condition of continued Medicaid eligibility or coverage.

This bill would authorize the department to seek waivers of federal Medicaid requirements, including, but not limited to, demonstration projects that aim to either increase the number of Medi-Cal beneficiaries or enhance the medical assistance provided to beneficiaries, as specified. The bill would require a waiver proposed by the department, which offers nonmedical benefits to Medi-Cal beneficiaries, to offer these benefits on a voluntary basis, and not as a condition of receiving medical assistance.