Medi-Cal: monthly maintenance amount: personal and incidental needs.
The proposed changes in AB2739 are expected to have a significant impact on the financial wellbeing of medically needy individuals, especially the elderly and disabled populations reliant on Medi-Cal for their healthcare services. The increase in the monthly maintenance allowance will provide these individuals with more resources to cover necessary personal and incidental costs, thereby improving their quality of life. The goal is also to ensure that the financial support provided adequately meets the basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter, facilitating a sense of independence and dignity.
Assembly Bill 2739, introduced by Assembly Member Weber on February 20, 2020, proposes an amendment to Section 14005.12 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. This bill aims to increase the monthly maintenance amount allocated for personal and incidental needs of medically needy individuals receiving care under the Medi-Cal program. Currently, this amount is set at $35 per month, but AB2739 seeks to raise it to $80. Additionally, the bill mandates that this amount be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index to reflect inflation and rising costs of living.
There may be discussions surrounding the funding and implementation of this increase in maintenance amounts. Some stakeholders might question the feasibility of raising the monthly support from $35 to $80, particularly in light of budget constraints and the overall financial health of the Medi-Cal program. Opponents of such increases might argue that while the intention is beneficial, the state needs to address how such changes will be financed. Conversely, advocates argue that the funding should not be a barrier to ensuring minimum living standards for some of the state's most vulnerable populations.