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AB-470 Medi-Cal: eligibility.(2021-2022)



Current Version: 04/13/21 - Amended Assembly

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AB470:v97#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Assembly  April 13, 2021
Amended  IN  Assembly  March 18, 2021

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 470

Introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Arambula, Cristina Garcia, Mathis, Mullin, and Wood)

February 08, 2021

An act to amend Sections 14005.11, 14005.20, 14005.40, 14005.401, 14006.3, 14006.4, 14006.5, 14007.9, 14009.6, 14009.7, 14011, 14013.3, 14051, 14051.5, and 14148.5 of, to add Section 14005.62 to, and to repeal Sections 14006, 14006.01, 14006.1, 14006.15, 14006.2, 14006.41, 14006.6, 14009.6, 14009.7, 14006.6, and 14015 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 470, as amended, Carrillo. Medi-Cal: eligibility.
Existing law, the Medi-Cal Act, provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, 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 law requires Medi-Cal benefits to be provided to individuals eligible for services pursuant to prescribed standards, including a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) eligibility standard. Existing law prohibits the use of an asset or resources test for individuals whose financial eligibility for Medi-Cal is determined based on the application of MAGI. Existing federal law authorizes a state to establish a non-MAGI standard for determining the eligibility of specified individuals, and existing law imposes the use of a resources test for establishing Medi-Cal eligibility for prescribed populations.
This bill would prohibit the use of resources, including property or other assets, to determine eligibility under the Medi-Cal program to the extent permitted by federal law, and would require the department to seek federal authority to disregard all resources as authorized by the flexibilities provided pursuant to federal law. The bill would authorize the department to implement this prohibition by various means, including provider bulletins, without taking regulatory authority. By January 1, 2023, the bill would require the department to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations on the prohibition, and to update its notices and forms to delete any reference to limitations on resources or assets. Because counties are required to make Medi-Cal eligibility determinations, and this bill would expand Medi-Cal eligibility, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. With respect to the prohibition on resources, the bill would make various conforming and technical changes to the Medi-Cal Act.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: YES  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 14005.11 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14005.11.
 (a) To the extent required by federal law for qualified beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Program, the department shall pay the premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for elderly and disabled persons entitled to benefits under Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act, whose income does not exceed the federal poverty level.
(b) The department shall pay, in addition to subdivision (a), applicable additional premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for drug coverage extended to qualified beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Program.
(c) The deductible payments required by subdivision (b) may be covered by providing the same drug coverage as offered to categorically needy recipients, as defined in Section 14050.1.
(d) As specified in this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to assist in the payment of Medicare Part B premiums for qualified low-income Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are ineligible for federal sharing or federal contribution for the payment of those premiums.
(e) For a Medi-Cal beneficiary who has a share of cost but who is ineligible for the assistance provided pursuant to subdivision (a), or who is ineligible for any other federally funded assistance for the payment of the beneficiary’s Medicare Part B premium, the department shall pay for the beneficiary’s Medicare Part B premium in the month following each month that the beneficiary’s share of cost has been met.
(f) When a county is informed that an applicant or beneficiary is eligible for benefits under the Medicare Program, the county shall determine whether that individual is eligible under the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program, or the Qualifying Individual program, and shall enroll the applicant or beneficiary in the appropriate program.

SEC. 2.

 Section 14005.20 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14005.20.
 (a) The department shall adopt the option made available under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XII) of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XII)) to pay allowable tuberculosis related services for persons infected with tuberculosis.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the income of these persons may not exceed the maximum amount for a disabled person as described in Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)).
(2) Effective January 1, 2014, the income of individuals eligible under this section may not exceed the maximum amount for a disabled person as described in Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)), as determined, counted, and valued in accordance with the requirements of Section 14005.64.
(c) The amendments made by the act that added this subdivision shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

SEC. 3.

 Section 14005.40 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14005.40.
 (a) To the extent federal financial participation is available, the department shall exercise its option under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(X) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(X)), to implement a program for aged and disabled persons as described in Section 1902(m) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(m)(1)).
(b) To the extent federal financial participation is available, the blind shall be included within the definition of disabled for the purposes of the program established in this section.
(c) An individual shall satisfy the financial eligibility requirement of this program if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) Countable income, as determined in accordance with Section 1902(m) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(m)), does not exceed an income level equal to 100 percent of the applicable federal poverty level.
(2) (A) Until the time that the department obtains federal approval for the income disregard described in paragraph (3), countable income shall include an additional two hundred thirty dollars ($230) for an individual or, in the case of a couple, three hundred ten dollars ($310).
(B) Upon receipt of federal approval for, and implementation of, paragraph (3), this paragraph shall become inoperative. The director shall execute a declaration, which shall be retained by the director, stating that federal approval for paragraph (3) has been obtained and the date that paragraph (3) shall be implemented. The director shall post the declaration on the department’s internet website.
(3) (A) Pursuant to Section 1902(r)(2) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(r)(2)), all countable income over 100 percent of the federal poverty level, up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, shall be disregarded, after taking all other disregards, deductions, and exclusions into account for those persons eligible pursuant to this section.
(B) The department shall seek federal approval to implement this paragraph.
(4) (A) For the purposes of calculating countable income under this section, an income exemption shall be applied as necessary to adjust the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (SSI/SSP) payment level as used in this section so that it is the same as the SSI/SSP payment level that was in place on May 1, 2009.
(B) This additional income exemption shall cease to be implemented when the SSI/SSP payment levels increase beyond those in effect on May 1, 2009.
(C) The income level determined pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be less than the SSI/SSP payment level the individual receives or would receive as a disabled or blind individual or, in the case of a couple, the SSI/SSP payment level the couple receives or would receive as a disabled or blind couple.
(5) Countable resources, including property or other assets, shall not be considered in determining eligibility.
(d) The financial eligibility requirements provided in subdivision (c) may be adjusted upwards to reflect the cost of living in California, contingent upon appropriation in the annual Budget Act.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until regulations are adopted.
(2) The department shall adopt regulations by July 1, 2023, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, until regulations are adopted.
(f) For purposes of calculating income under this section during any calendar year, increases in social security benefit payments under Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 401 et seq.) arising from cost-of-living adjustments shall be disregarded commencing in the month that these social security benefit payments are increased by the cost-of-living adjustment through the month before the month in which a change in the federal poverty level requires the department to modify the income level described in subdivision (c).
(g) (1) For purposes of this section section, the following definitions apply:
(A) “SSI” means the federal Supplemental Security Income program established under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act.
(B) “Income level” means the applicable income level specified in subdivision (c).
(C) The board and care “personal care services” or “PCS” deduction refers to an income disregard that is applied to a resident in a licensed community care facility in lieu of the board and care deduction (equal to the amount by which the basic board and care rate exceeds the income level in subparagraph (B)) when the PCS deduction is greater than the board and care deduction.
(2) (A) For purposes of this section, the SSI recipient retention amount is the amount by which the SSI maximum payment amount to an individual residing in a licensed community care facility exceeds the maximum amount that the state allows community care facilities to charge a resident who is an SSI recipient.
(B) For the purposes of this section, the personal and incidental needs deduction for an individual residing in a licensed community care facility is one of the following:
(i) If the board and care deduction is applicable to the individual, the amount, not to exceed the amount by which the SSI recipient retention amount exceeds twenty dollars ($20), nor to be less than zero, by which the sum of the amount that the individual pays to the individual’s licensed community care facility and the SSI recipient retention amount exceed the sum of the individual’s income level, the individual’s board and care deduction, and twenty dollars ($20).
(ii) If the PCS deduction specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) is applicable to the individual, an amount, not to exceed the amount by which the SSI recipient retention amount exceeds twenty dollars ($20), nor to be less than zero, by which the sum of the amount that the individual pays to the individual’s community care facility and the SSI recipient retention amount exceed the sum of the individual’s income level, the individual’s PCS deduction, and twenty dollars ($20).
(3) In determining the countable income under this section of an individual residing in a licensed community care facility, the individual shall have deducted from the individual’s income the amount specified in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2).
(h) No later than one month after the effective date of subdivision (g), the department shall submit to the federal Medicaid program administrator a state plan amendment seeking approval of the income deduction specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (g), and of federal financial participation for the costs resulting from that income deduction.
(i) The deduction prescribed by paragraph (3) of subdivision (g) shall be applied no later than the first day of the fourth month after the month in which the department receives approval for the federal financial participation specified in subdivision (h). Until approval for federal financial participation is received, there shall be no deduction under paragraph (3) of subdivision (g).
(j) This section shall be implemented only if and to the extent that any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.
(k) Paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) shall be implemented after the director determines, and communicates that determination in writing to the Department of Finance, that systems have been programmed for implementation of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c), but no sooner than January 1, 2020.

SEC. 4.

 Section 14005.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14005.401.
 (a) The department shall seek a Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver to implement an income disregard that would allow an aged, blind, or disabled individual who becomes ineligible for benefits under the Medi-Cal program pursuant to Section 14005.40 because of the state’s payment of the individual’s Medicare Part B premiums to remain eligible for the Medi-Cal program under Section 14005.40 if their income otherwise meets all eligibility requirements.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time any necessary regulations are adopted.
(2) The department shall adopt regulations by July 1, 2021, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(3) Commencing six months after the effective date of this section, and notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, until regulations have been adopted.
(c) This section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, federal financial participation is available and necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

SEC. 5.

 Section 14005.62 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:

14005.62.
 (a) Notwithstanding this chapter, resources, including property or other assets, shall not be used to determine eligibility under the Medi-Cal program to the extent permitted by federal law. The department shall seek federal authority to disregard all resources as authorized by the flexibilities provided under Section 1392a(r)(2) of Title 42 of the United States Code or other available authorities.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement this section by means of provider bulletins or notices, policy letters, or other similar instructions, without taking regulatory action.
(2) By January 1, 2023, the department shall do both of the following:
(A) Adopt, amend, or repeal regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code and this section.
(B) Update its notices and forms to delete any reference to limitations on resources or assets.

SEC. 6.

 Section 14006 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 7.

 Section 14006.01 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 8.

 Section 14006.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 9.

 Section 14006.15 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 10.

 Section 14006.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 11.

 Section 14006.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14006.3.
 The department, at the time of application or the assessment pursuant to former Section 14006.6, and any nursing facility enrolled as a provider in the Medi-Cal program, before admitting any person, shall provide a clear and simple statement, in writing, in a form and language specified by the department, to that person, and that person’s spouse, legal representative, or agent, if any, that explains the income requirements of the Medi-Cal program, including, but not limited to, certain protections against spousal impoverishment.

SEC. 12.

 Section 14006.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14006.4.
 (a) The statement required by Section 14006.3 shall be in the following form:

“NOTICE REGARDING STANDARDS FOR MEDI-CAL ELIGIBILITY

If you or your spouse is in or is entering a nursing facility, read this important message!
You or your spouse do not have to use all your resources, such as savings, before Medi-Cal might help pay for all or some of the costs of a nursing facility.
You should be aware of the following to take advantage of these provisions of the law:

UNMARRIED RESIDENT

An unmarried resident is financially eligible for Medi-Cal benefits if they meet income requirements. Resources, including property and assets, are not considered in determining Medi-Cal eligibility.
If an unmarried resident is financially eligible for Medi-Cal reimbursement, they are allowed to keep from their monthly income a personal allowance of (insert amount of personal needs allowance) plus the amount of health insurance premiums paid monthly. The remainder of the monthly income is paid to the nursing facility as a monthly deductible called the “Medi-Cal share of cost.”

MARRIED RESIDENT

If one spouse lives in a nursing facility, and the other spouse does not live in a nursing facility, the Medi-Cal program will pay some or all of the nursing facility costs as long as the couple together meets income requirements. Resources, including property and assets, are not considered in determining Medi-Cal eligibility.
If a spouse is eligible for Medi-Cal payment of nursing facility costs, the spouse living at home is allowed to keep a monthly income of at least their individual monthly income or (insert amount of Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance), whichever is greater. Of the couple’s remaining monthly income, the spouse in the nursing facility is allowed to keep a personal allowance of (insert amount of personal needs allowance) plus the amount of health insurance premiums paid monthly. The remaining money, if any, generally must be paid to the nursing facility as the Medi-Cal share of cost. The Medi-Cal program will pay remaining nursing facility costs.
Under certain circumstances, an at-home spouse can obtain an order from an administrative law judge that will allow the at-home spouse to retain additional income. That order may allow the at-home spouse to retain more than (insert amount of Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance) in monthly income, if the extra income is necessary “due to exceptional circumstances resulting in significant financial duress.”
An at-home spouse also may obtain a court order to increase the amount of income that they are allowed to retain. You should contact a knowledgeable attorney for further information regarding court orders.
Note: For married couples, the income limit ((insert amount of Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance) in (insert current year)) generally increase a slight amount on January 1 of every year.
This is only a brief description of the Medi-Cal eligibility rules, for more detailed information, you should call your county welfare department. You will probably want to consult with the local branch of the state long-term care ombudsman, an attorney, or a legal services program for seniors in your area.
I have read the above notice and have received a copy.
Dated: ______ Signature: _________”
(b) The statement required by subdivision (a) shall be printed in at least 10-point type, shall be clearly separate from any other document or writing, and shall be signed by the person to be admitted and that person’s spouse, and legal representative, if any.
(c) Any nursing facility that willfully fails to comply with this section shall be subject to a class “B” citation, as defined by Section 1424 of the Health and Safety Code.
(d) The department may revise this statement as necessary to maintain its consistency with state and federal law.

SEC. 13.Section 14006.41 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 14.SEC. 13.

 Section 14006.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14006.5.
 The department shall include training on the treatment of separate and community income in determining eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits, as part of the ongoing training offered to county welfare departments.

SEC. 15.SEC. 14.

 Section 14006.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 16.SEC. 15.

 Section 14007.9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as amended by Section 32 of Chapter 5 of the 4th Extraordinary Session of the Statutes of 2009, is amended to read:

14007.9.
 (a) The department shall adopt the option made available under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XIII) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XIII)). To be eligible for benefits under this section, an individual shall be required to meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Their net countable income is less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level for one person or, if the deeming of spousal income applies to the individual, their net countable income is less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level for two persons.
(2) They are disabled under Title II of the Social Security Act (Subch. 2 (commencing with Sec. 401), Ch. 7, Title 42 U.S.C.), Title XVI of the Social Security Act (Subch. 16 (commencing with Sec. 1381), Ch. 7, Title 42, U.S.C.), or Section 1902(v) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(v)). An individual shall be determined to be eligible under this section without regard to their ability to engage in, or actual engagement in, substantial gainful activity, as defined in Section 223(d)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 423(d)(4)).
(3) Resources that are not counted as income shall not be included in determinations of eligibility.
(b) (1) Countable income shall be determined under Section 1612 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1382a), except that the individual’s disability income, including all federal and state disability benefits and private disability insurance, shall be exempted.
(2) (A) For the purposes of calculating countable income under this section, an income exemption shall be applied as necessary to adjust the income standard so that it is the same as the income standard that was in place on May 1, 2009.
(B) This additional income exemption shall cease to be implemented when the SSI/SSP program payment levels increase beyond those in effect on May 1, 2009.
(C) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department shall implement this paragraph by means of an all-county letter or similar instruction without taking regulatory action.
(c) Medi-Cal benefits provided under this chapter pursuant to this section shall be available in the same amount, duration, and scope as those benefits are available for persons who are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits as categorically needy persons and as specified in Section 14007.5.
(d) Individuals eligible for Medi-Cal benefits under this section shall be subject to the payment of premiums determined under this subdivision. The department shall establish sliding-scale premiums that are based on countable income, with a minimum premium of twenty dollars ($20) per month and a maximum premium of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month, and shall, by regulations, annually adjust the premiums. Before the adjustment of any premiums pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall submit a report of proposed premium adjustments to the appropriate committees of the Legislature as part of the annual budget act Budget Act process.
(e) The department shall adopt regulations specifying the process for discontinuance of eligibility under this section for nonpayment of premiums for more than two months by a beneficiary.
(f) In order to implement the collection of premiums under this section, the department may develop and execute a contract with a public or private entity to collect premiums, or may amend any existing or future premium-collection contract that it has executed. Notwithstanding any other law, any contract developed and executed or amended pursuant to this subdivision is exempt from the approval of the Director of General Services and from the Public Contract Code.
(g) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department shall implement, without taking any regulatory action, this section by means of an all-county letter or similar instruction. Thereafter, the department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(h) Notwithstanding any other law, this section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the department determines that federal financial participation is available pursuant to Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.).
(i) Subject to subdivision (h), this section shall be implemented commencing April 1, 2000.

SEC. 17.SEC. 16.

 Section 14007.9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as amended by Section 91 of Chapter 3 of the Statutes of 2011, is amended to read:

14007.9.
 (a) (1) The department shall adopt the option made available under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XIII) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XIII)). To be eligible for benefits under this section, an individual shall be required to meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Their net countable income is less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level for one person or, if the deeming of spousal income applies to the individual, their net countable income is less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level for two persons.
(B) They are disabled under Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 401 et seq.), Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1381 et seq.), or Section 1902(v) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396a(v)). An individual shall be determined to be eligible under this section without regard to their ability to engage in, or actual engagement in, substantial gainful activity, as defined in Section 223(d)(4) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 423(d)(4)).
(C) Resources that are not counted as income shall not be included in determinations of eligibility.
(2) To the extent federal financial participation is available, an individual otherwise eligible under this section, but who is temporarily unemployed, may elect to remain on Medi-Cal under this section for up to 26 weeks, provided the individual continues to pay premiums during the temporary period of unemployment.
(b) (1) Countable income shall be determined under Section 1612 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1382a), except that the individual’s disability income, including all federal and state disability benefits and private disability insurance, shall be exempted.
(2) (A) For the purposes of calculating countable income under this section, an income exemption shall be applied as necessary to adjust the income standard so that it is the same as the income standard that was in place on May 1, 2009.
(B) This additional income exemption shall cease to be implemented when the SSI/SSP program payment levels increase beyond those in effect on May 1, 2009.
(C) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department shall implement this paragraph by means of an all-county letter or similar instruction without taking regulatory action.
(3) Social security disability income that converts to social security retirement income upon the retirement of an individual, including any increases in the amount of that income, shall be exempt. The department shall submit a state plan amendment for this specific exemption, and the exemption shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the state plan amendment is approved.
(c) After an individual is determined eligible for Medi-Cal benefits under this section, the individual’s countable income, as determined under Section 1612 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1382a), shall be used to determine the amount of the individual’s required premium payment, as described in subdivision (f). Disability income and converted retirement income made exempt under paragraphs (1) and (3), respectively, of subdivision (b) for eligibility purposes shall be considered countable income for purposes of determining the amount of the required premium payment.
(d) Medi-Cal benefits provided under this chapter pursuant to this section shall be available in the same amount, duration, and scope as those benefits are available for persons who are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits as categorically needy persons and as specified in Section 14007.5.
(e) (1) Individuals eligible for Medi-Cal benefits under this section shall be subject to the payment of premiums determined under this subdivision. Each individual shall pay a monthly premium that is equal to 5 percent of their individual countable income, as described in subdivision (c), or if the deeming of spousal income of an ineligible spouse applies, a monthly premium that is equal to 5 percent of the total countable income of both spouses, except that the minimum premium payment per eligible individual shall be twenty dollars ($20) per month, and the maximum premium payment per eligible individual shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month.
(2) The amendments made to this subdivision by Chapter 282 of the Statutes of 2009 shall be implemented no later than 90 days after the operative date specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (j).
(f) In order to implement the collection of premiums under this section, the department may develop and execute a contract with a public or private entity to collect premiums, or may amend any existing or future premium-collection contract that it has executed. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any contract developed and executed or amended pursuant to this subdivision is exempt from the approval of the Director of General Services and from the Public Contract Code.
(g) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department shall implement, without taking any regulatory action, this section by means of an all-county letter or similar instruction. Thereafter, the department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(h) Notwithstanding any other law, this section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the department determines that federal financial participation is available pursuant to Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.) and only to the extent that the department seeks and obtains approval of all necessary Medicaid state plan amendments.
(i) If this section, or its application, is held invalid by a final judicial determination, it shall cease to be implemented. A determination of invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this section that can be given effect without the implementation of the invalid provision or application.
(j) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made to this section by Chapter 282 of the Statutes of 2009 shall not become operative until 30 days after the date that the increase in the state’s federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) pursuant to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) is no longer available under that act or any extension of that act.
(2) The amendments made to this section by Chapter 282 of the Statutes of 2009 contained in subdivisions (d) and (f) shall not become operative until 30 days after the date that the director executes a declaration stating that the implementation of subdivisions (c) and (e) will not jeopardize the state’s ability to receive federal financial participation under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) or any amendment or extension of that act, any increase in the FMAP available on or after October 1, 2008, or any additional federal funds that the director, in consultation with the Department of Finance, determines would be advantageous to the state.
(3) If at any time the director determines that the statement in the declaration executed pursuant to paragraph (2) may no longer be accurate, the director shall give notice to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and to the Department of Finance. After giving notice, the amendments made to this section by Chapter 282 of the Statutes of 2009 contained in subdivisions (c) and (e) shall become inoperative on the date that the director executes a declaration stating that the department has determined, in consultation with the Department of Finance, that it is necessary to cease to implement subdivisions (c) and (e) in order to receive federal financial participation, any increase in the FMAP available on or after October 1, 2008, or any additional federal funds that the director, in consultation with the Department of Finance, has determined would be advantageous to the state, in which case, subdivision (c) of this section, as stated by Section 32 of Chapter 5 of the Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Statutes of 2009, shall be operative.
(4) The director shall post a declaration made pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) on the department’s internet website and the director shall send the declaration to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, and the Legislative Counsel.
(k) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement subdivision (j) by means of all-county letters or similar instruction, without taking regulatory action.

SEC. 18.Section 14009.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 17.

 Section 14009.6 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14009.6.
 (a) As a result of providing medical assistance for home and facility care to an individual, the state shall, by operation of law, become a remainder beneficiary, to the extent required by Section 1917(e) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396p(e)), of annuities purchased in whole or in part by the individual or his or her the individual’s spouse in which the individual or his or her the individual’s spouse is an annuitant, except as provided in Section 14009.7, unless the individual or his or her the individual’s spouse notifies the department in writing that he or she prohibits they prohibit the state from acquiring a remainder interest in his or her annuity, in which case subdivision (d) shall apply. their annuity.
(b) This section shall only apply to the following annuities:
(1) Those purchased on or after February 8, 2006.
(2) Those purchased before February 8, 2006, and subjected to a transaction that occurred on or after February 8, 2006.
(A) For the purposes of this paragraph, “transaction” includes, but is not limited to, any action taken by the individual or his or her the individual’s spouse that changes the course of payments to be made by the annuity or the treatment of the income or principal of the annuity.
(B) For the purpose of this paragraph, “transaction” shall not include any of the following:
(i) Routine changes and automatic events that do not require any action or decision on or after February 8, 2006.
(ii) Changes that occur based on the terms of the annuity that existed prior to February 8, 2006, and that do not require a decision, election, or action to take effect.
(iii) Changes that are beyond the control of the individual or the individual’s spouse.
(c) Any provision in any annuity subject to this section that has the effect of restricting the right of the state to become a remainder beneficiary is void.

(d)If an individual or his or her spouse notifies the department in writing that he or she prohibits the state from acquiring a remainder interest in his or her annuity, the purchase of the annuity shall be treated as the transfer of an asset for less than fair market value that is subject to Section 14015.

(e)

(d) (1) When the state becomes aware of an annuity in which it has acquired a remainder interest, the department shall notify the issuer of the annuity of the state’s acquisition of its remainder beneficiary interest.
(2) The issuer of the annuity shall, upon notification by the department, immediately inform the department of the amount of income and principal being withdrawn from the annuity as of the date of the individual’s disclosure of the annuity.
(3) The issuer of the annuity shall, upon request by the department or any agent of the department, immediately disclose to the department the amount of income and principal being withdrawn from the annuity.
(4) The issuer of the annuity shall immediately notify the department if there is any change in either of the following:
(A) The amount of income or principal being withdrawn from that annuity.
(B) The named beneficiaries of the annuity.

(f)

(e) Any moneys received by the state pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the General Fund.

(g)

(f) This section shall be implemented pursuant to the requirements of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.) and any regulations adopted pursuant to that act, and only to the extent that federal financial participation is available.

(h)

(g) To the extent that regulations are necessary to implement this section, the department shall promulgate regulations using the nonemergency regulatory process described in Article 5 (commencing with Section 11346) of Chapter 3.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of the Government Code.

(i)

(h) It is the intent of the Legislature that the provisions of this section shall apply prospectively to any individual to whom the act applies commencing from the date regulations adopted pursuant to this act are filed with the Secretary of State.

SEC. 19.Section 14009.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 18.

 Section 14009.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
14009.7.

(a)If an annuity is considered part or all of the community spouse resource allowance allowed under subdivision (c) of Section 14006, the state shall only become a remainder beneficiary of that portion of the annuity that is not a part of that community spouse resource allowance.

(b)

14009.7.
 (a) The state shall not become a remainder beneficiary of an annuity that is any of the following:
(1) Purchased by a community spouse with resources of the community spouse before or during the continuous period in which the individual is receiving medical assistance for home and facility care and after the month in which the individual is determined eligible for these benefits.
(2) Contained in a retirement plan qualified under Title 26 of the United States Code, established by an employer or an individual, including, but not limited to, an Individual Retirement Annuity or Account (IRA), Roth IRA, or Keogh fund.
(3) An annuity that is all of the following:
(A) The annuity is irrevocable and nonassignable.
(B) The annuity is actuarially sound.
(C) The annuity provides for payments in equal amounts during the term of the annuity, with no deferral and no balloon payments made from the annuity.

(c)

(b) The individual or the community spouse, or both, shall bear the burden of demonstrating that the requirements of this section that limit the state’s right to become a remainder beneficiary, as described in Section 14009.6, are met.

(d)

(c) This section shall be implemented pursuant to the requirements of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.) and any regulations adopted pursuant to that act, and only to the extent that federal financial participation is available.

(e)

(d) To the extent that regulations are necessary to implement this section, the department shall promulgate regulations using the nonemergency regulatory process described in Article 5 (commencing with Section 11346) of Chapter 3.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of the Government Code.

(f)

(e) It is the intent of the Legislature that the provisions of this section shall apply prospectively to any individual to whom the act applies commencing from the date regulations adopted pursuant to this act are filed with the Secretary of State.

SEC. 20.SEC. 19.

 Section 14011 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14011.
 (a) An applicant who is not a recipient of aid under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11200) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) shall be required to file an affirmation setting forth facts about their annual income and qualifications for eligibility as may be required by the department. Those statements shall be on forms prescribed by the department.
(b) To the extent permitted by federal law, eligibility for medical assistance for applicants shall not be granted until the applicant or designated representative provides independent documentation verifying statements of all of the following:
(1) Gross income by type and source.
(2) Income amounts withheld for taxes.
(3) Health care benefits available through employment, retirement, military service, work related injuries or settlements from prior injuries.
(c) The verification requirements of subdivision (b) apply to income and income deductions of applicants for medical assistance, excluding applicants for public assistance, and to persons whose income, income deductions, or expenses must be considered in determining the applicant’s eligibility and share of cost.
(d) A determination of eligibility and share of cost may be extended beyond otherwise prescribed time frames timeframes if, in the county department’s judgment, and subject to standards of the director, the applicant or designated representative has good cause for failure to provide the required verification and continues to make a good faith effort to provide verification.
(e) To the extent permitted by federal law, in addition to the other verification requirements of this section, a county department may require verification of any other applicant statements, or conduct a full and complete investigation of the statements, whenever a verification or investigation is warranted in the judgment of the county department.
(f) If documentation is unavailable, as defined in regulations promulgated by the department, the applicant’s signed statement as to the value or amount shall be deemed to constitute verification.

SEC. 21.SEC. 20.

 Section 14013.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14013.3.
 (a) When determining whether an individual is eligible for Medi-Cal benefits, the department shall verify the accuracy of the information identified in this section that is provided as a part of the application or redetermination process in conformity with this section.
(b) Before requesting additional verification from an applicant or beneficiary for information they provide as part of the application or redetermination process, the department shall obtain information about an individual that is available electronically from other state and federal agencies and programs in determining an individual’s eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits or for potential eligibility for an insurance affordability program offered through the California Health Benefit Exchange established pursuant to Title 22 (commencing with Section 100500) of the Government Code. Needed information shall be obtained from the following sources, including any other source the department determines is useful:
(1) Information related to wages, net earnings from self-employment, and unearned income from any of the following:
(A) The State Wage Information Collection Agency.
(B) The federal Internal Revenue Service.
(C) The federal Social Security Administration.
(D) The Employment Development Department.
(E) The state administered supplementary payment program under Section 1382e of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(F) Any state program administered under a plan approved under Titles I, X, XIV, or XVI of the federal Social Security Act.
(2) Information related to eligibility or enrollment from any of the following:
(A) The CalFresh program pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 18900) of Part 6.
(B) The CalWORKS program.
(C) The state’s children’s health insurance program under Title XXI of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).
(D) The California Health Benefit Exchange established pursuant Title 22 (commencing with Section 100500) of the Government Code.
(E) The electronic service established in accordance with Section 435.949 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(c) (1) If the income information obtained by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) is reasonably compatible with the information provided by or on behalf of the individual, the department shall accept the information provided by or on behalf of the individual as being accurate.
(2) If the income information obtained by the department is not reasonably compatible with the information provided by or on behalf of the individual, the department shall require that the individual provide additional information that reasonably explains the discrepancy.
(3) For the purposes of this subdivision, income information obtained by the department is reasonably compatible with information provided by or on behalf of an individual if any of the following conditions are met:
(A) Both state that the individual’s income is above the applicable income standard or other relevant income threshold for eligibility.
(B) Both state that the individual’s income is at or below the applicable income standard or other relevant income threshold for eligibility.
(C) The information provided by or on behalf of the individual states that the individual’s income is above, and the information obtained by the department states that the individual’s income is at or below, the applicable income standard or other relevant income threshold for eligibility.
(4) If subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) applies, the individual shall be informed that the income information provided by them was higher than the information that was electronically verified and that they may request a reconciliation of the difference. This paragraph shall be implemented no later than January 1, 2015.
(d) (1) The department shall accept the attestation of the individual regarding whether they are pregnant unless the department has information that is not reasonably compatible with the attestation.
(2) If the information obtained by the department is not reasonably compatible with the information provided by or on behalf of the individual under paragraph (1), the department shall require that the individual provide additional information that reasonably explains the discrepancy.
(e) If any information not described in subdivision (c) or (d) that is needed for an eligibility determination or redetermination and is obtained by the department is not reasonably compatible with the information provided by or on behalf of the individual, the department shall require that the individual provide additional information that reasonably explains the discrepancy.
(f) The department shall develop, and update as it is modified, a verification plan describing the verification policies and procedures adopted by the department to verify eligibility information. If the department determines that any state or federal agencies or programs not previously identified in the verification plan are useful in determining an individual’s eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits or for potential eligibility, for an insurance affordability program offered through the California Health Benefit Exchange, the department shall update the verification plan to identify those additional agencies or programs. The development and modification of the verification plan shall be undertaken in consultation with representatives from county human services departments, legal aid advocates, and the Legislature. This verification plan shall conform to all federal requirements and shall be posted on the department’s internet website.
(g) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time regulations are adopted. Thereafter, the department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Beginning six months after the effective date of this section, and notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis until regulations have been adopted.
(h) This section shall be implemented only if and to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.
(i) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2014.

SEC. 22.SEC. 21.

 Section 14015 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is repealed.

SEC. 23.SEC. 22.

 Section 14051 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14051.
 (a) “Medically needy person” means any of the following:
(1) An aged, blind, or disabled person who meets the definition of aged, blind, or disabled under the Supplemental Security Income program and whose income is insufficient to provide for the costs of health care or coverage.
(2) A child in foster care for whom public agencies are assuming financial responsibility, in whole or in part, or a person receiving aid under Chapter 2.1 (commencing with Section 16115) of Part 4.
(3) A child who is eligible to receive Medi-Cal benefits pursuant to interstate agreements for adoption assistance and related services and benefits entered into under Chapter 2.6 (commencing with Section 16170) of Part 4, to the extent federal financial participation is available.
(b) “Medically needy family person” means a parent or caretaker relative of a child or a child under 21 years of age or a pregnant woman of any age with a confirmed pregnancy, exclusive of those persons specified in subdivision (a), whose income is insufficient to provide for the costs of health care or coverage.

SEC. 24.SEC. 23.

 Section 14051.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14051.5.
 (a) “Medically needy person” also means any person who receives in-home supportive services pursuant to Section 12305.5 and whose income is insufficient to provide for the costs of health care or coverage.

SEC. 25.SEC. 24.

 Section 14148.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

14148.5.
 (a) State funded State-funded perinatal services shall be provided under the Medi-Cal program to pregnant persons and state funded state-funded medical services to infants up to one year of age in families with incomes above 185 percent, but not more than 208 percent, of the federal poverty level, in the same manner that these services are being provided to the Medi-Cal population, including eligibility requirements and integration of eligibility determinations and payment of claims. When determining eligibility under this section, an applicant’s or beneficiary’s income shall be determined, counted, and valued in accordance with the methodology set forth in Section 14005.64.
(b) Services provided under this section shall not be subject to any share-of-cost requirements.
(c) (1) The department, in implementing the Medi-Cal program and public health programs, may provide for outreach activities in order to enhance participation and access to perinatal services. Funding received pursuant to the federal provisions shall be used to expand perinatal outreach activities. These outreach activities shall be implemented if funding is provided for this purpose by an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or other statute.
(2) Those outreach activities authorized by paragraph (1) shall be targeted toward both Medi-Cal and non-Medi-Cal eligible high risk or uninsured pregnant persons and infants. Outreach activities may include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(A) Education of the targeted persons on the availability and importance of early prenatal care and referral to Medi-Cal and other programs.
(B) Information provided through toll-free telephone numbers.
(C) Recruitment and retention of perinatal providers.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, contracts required to implement this section shall be exempt from the approval of the Director of General Services and from the Public Contract Code.

SEC. 26.SEC. 25.

 If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.