1.13.2014 As of January 1, 2014 counties across California began implementation of AB 191 (Bocanegra) Strengthening the Connection between CalFresh and Medi-Cal. The Department of Social Services (CDSS) has released an All County Letter with general information and implementation details for counties. At this time, CDSS is working with the Department of Health Care Services, the California Welfare Director’s Association, and the Statewide Automated Welfare System to implement an automated process for identifying and processing households impacted by AB 191.
In the meantime, individual counties will identify workaround processes. CFPA recommends that local advocates connect with their County representatives to learn more about what the workaround will look like in their county. In addition, local advocates should establish a process to provide feedback to their County representatives regarding the effectiveness of the workaround and client impact.
Information specific to each county will prove useful in accurately informing clients about what they should expect when applying for benefits. In addition, this information may help determine whether local CalFresh outreach efforts will be impacted.
CFPA strongly believes that a standard, statewide approach, including automation, will help ensure the greatest number of Californians benefit from this policy change. We will continue working with the Department to ensure such a process is identified and implemented as soon as possible.
Read the AB 191 All County Letter. link
AB 191 will improve alignment between CalFresh and Medi-Cal income guidelines in order to increase the likelihood that low-income households with a Medi-Cal recipient also receive CalFresh nutrition benefit.
Learn more about AB 191. link
Questions? Contact Alexis Fernández at 510.433.1122 ext. 111
