BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1269
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1269 (Brownley)
As Amended September 1, 2009
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |50-29|(June 2, 2009) |SENATE: |26-12|(September 4, |
| | | | | |2009) |
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Original Committee Reference: HEALTH
SUMMARY : Extends eligibility for the Medi-Cal California
Working Disabled Program (CWD Program) to improve continuity of
care. Specifically, this bill :
1)Permits individuals otherwise eligible for the CWD Program,
but who are temporarily not working, to remain in the program
for up to 26 weeks, provided the individuals continue to pay
premiums during the nonworking period.
2)Exempts consideration of Social Security income from
eligibility calculations while a person is on the CWD Program.
Allows accumulated savings to be exempted from future
eligibility determinations in other Medi-Cal programs.
Exempts Social Security income received by disabled
individuals 65 years or older from Medi-Cal eligibility
determinations.
The Senate amendments delay the implementation of this bill
until 30 days after the date that the increase in California's
federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid
(Medi-Cal in California), pursuant to the federal American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, is no longer
available.
EXISTING LAW establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by
Department of Health Care Services which provides comprehensive
health benefits to eligible categories. Specifically the
program:
1) Provides coverage for low-income children, their parents or
caretaker relatives, pregnant women, elderly, blind or disabled
persons, nursing home residents, and refugees who meet specified
AB 1269
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eligibility criteria.
2) Establishes the CWD Program for working disabled individuals
with net countable family income up to 250% of the federal
poverty level and assets up to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000
for couples. Requires monthly premiums ranging from $20-$250
for individuals and $30-$375 for couples.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was substantially similar
to the version passed by the Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, there would be increased costs as a result of
increased caseload in the Medi-Cal program and minor costs
absorbable one-time costs for eligibility changes.
COMMENTS : The Senate amendments delay the implementation of this
bill until ARRA enhanced FMAP provisions sunset, currently
scheduled for January 1, 2011, so as to not jeopardize ARRA
funds. As a condition of receiving the increased FMAP, ARRA
prohibits states from reducing Medicaid eligibility. Without
the changes made in the Senate, it is possible, given the
proposed changes to CWD Program in this bill, the federal
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would interpret this
bill as making prohibited changes to Medi-Cal eligibility which
could jeopardize California's receipt of the increased federal
funds.
Analysis Prepared by : Marjorie Swartz/ HEALTH / (916)
319-2097
FN: 0002868