Medi-Cal: inmates: eligibility.
The bill, set to commence on October 1, 2020, pending federal approval, seeks to implement a simplified annual redetermination of eligibility for these young individuals. This modification means that if an individual under 26 years of age is released or no longer eligible for Medi-Cal due to other conditions, their benefits would be reinstated promptly, as opposed to the existing process which could leave them without coverage for longer periods. It also aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers that could hinder timely access to medical care post-incarceration.
Assembly Bill 914, introduced by Assembly Member Holden, aims to amend the Medi-Cal eligibility provisions specifically for individuals under 26 years of age who are inmates of public institutions. Under current law, Medi-Cal benefits for these individuals are suspended beginning on the date they become inmates, and their eligibility typically ends either when they are no longer inmates or after one year, whichever comes first. The proposed changes would allow the suspension of eligibility to end based on a different condition, which includes no longer being eligible under the Medi-Cal program as well, thus potentially broadening access to healthcare services upon reintegration into society.
The sentiment expressed in discussions surrounding AB 914 has been largely favorable among advocates for prison reform and health care accessibility. Many support the bill as a step towards ensuring continuity of care for young adults who transition from public institutions back to society. The urge to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including young inmates, is met with support for the bill's emphasis on timely reinstatement of benefits. However, there are concerns regarding the bill's implementation costs and the necessity for federal approvals, indicating that while the proposal is seen as beneficial, there are lingering questions about its operational feasibility.
Notable points of contention arise from potential implementation challenges, including whether the changes comply with federal laws governing Medicaid and how counties will manage the increased responsibility for eligibility determination. Furthermore, there are discussions surrounding the fiscal implications of the bill; it is anticipated that the bill will impose costs on local governments, which will need to be reimbursed in accordance with the California Constitution. The opposing viewpoints focus on balancing budgetary restraints against the ethical imperative to provide accessible healthcare services for young inmates.