6.27.2013 Today Governor Brown signed California’s 2013-2014 budget. A a summary of provisions in the budget that relate to nutrition programs is now available.
Expansion of Medi-Cal allowable under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The new budget expands Medi-Cal eligibility to include U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants earning incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $23,000 for a household of 3 people). With this expansion, over 1 million Californians will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal.
Health coverage plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of low-income Californians. Additionally, Medi-Cal enrollment can serve as a bridge to other public benefits for low-income Californians, such as CalFresh. Over the past two years, California Food Policy Advocates has worked in coalition with key partners, such as the Alliance to Transform CalFresh, to promote the concept of simplified enrollment into multiple public benefit programs (known as ‘horizontal integration’ within health care reform).
California Department of Finance: State Budget Summary. link
Take a look at the Alliance to Transform CalFresh’s publication, “Apply and Connect: Opportunities and Challenges for Horizontal Integration“. link
Implications for AB 191: Medi-Cal to CalFresh
As mentioned, the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility to 138% of FPL will result in over 1 million Californians becoming newly eligible for health benefits. With the commitment to expand Medi-Cal coverage in place, there is no better time to improve the link between CalFresh and Medi-Cal
As ACA implementation gets underway and with expanded Medi-Cal coverage many low-income Californians will come into contact with their County system, if not for the first time, potentially for the first time in quite a while. We should connect with this population as soon as possible to ensure the greatest potential for impact on CalFresh participation and the reach of CalFresh benefits.
More information on AB 191. link
Implications for Dual Enrollment: CalFresh to Medi-Cal
The state budget includes language committing California to seek any federal waivers necessary to utilize available eligibility information for CalFresh participants who are under age 65 and do not have a disability in order to determine their Medi-Cal eligibility. This language will help California boost Medi-Cal enrollment through a simplified process. It will also help low-income households easily access multiple benefits at once.
For more information read the Urban Institute’s Report: “Using SNAP Receipt to Establish, Verify, and Renew MediCaid Eligibility“. link
