BILL NUMBER: AB 998	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member John A. Perez

                        FEBRUARY 27, 2009

   An act to add Section 14132.70 to the Welfare and Institutions
Code, relating to Medi-Cal.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 998, as introduced, John A. Perez. Medi-Cal: organ transplants:
anti-rejection medication.
   Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the
State Department of Health Care Services, under which basic health
care services are provided to qualified low-income persons. Under
existing law, organ transplants and donor surgeries are covered as
reimbursable services under the Medi-Cal program.
   This bill would provide that Medi-Cal beneficiaries shall remain
eligible to receive Medi-Cal coverage for anti-rejection medication
for up to 3 years following an organ transplant, unless during that
period the beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare or private
health insurance that would cover the medication.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 14132.70 is added to the Welfare and
Institutions Code, to read:
   14132.70.  Medi-Cal beneficiaries shall remain eligible to receive
Medi-Cal coverage for anti-rejection medication for up to three
years following an organ transplant, unless during that period the
beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare or private health insurance
that would cover the medication.