Medi-Cal eligibility: assets.

Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid Program provisions. Existing law requires, with some exceptions, a Medi-Cal applicant's or beneficiary's income and resources be determined based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) , as specified. Existing law prohibits the use of an assets or resources test for individuals whose income eligibility is determined based on modified adjusted gross income. This bill would exclude the principal and interest of a 529 savings plan, as defined, from consideration for purposes of any asset or resources test to determine eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits with respect to an applicant or beneficiary whose eligibility is not determined using MAGI-based financial methods, as specified. The bill would exclude qualified distributions from a 529 savings account from consideration for purposes of any income test to determine eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits with respect to an applicant or beneficiary. The bill would require the department to seek any necessary approvals from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and to implement the bill only in a manner that is consistent with federal Medicaid law and regulations, and only to the extent that the necessary approvals are obtained and federal financial participation is not jeopardized.