(a) The department shall provide a Medi-Cal beneficiary whose Medi-Cal eligibility is established pursuant to Section 1930 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396u-1) with simple and clear written notice of the availability of the transitional Medi-Cal program and the requirements for that program. This notice shall be provided at the time that Medi-Cal eligibility is conferred to the beneficiary and at least once every six months thereafter.
(b) When a beneficiary loses Medi-Cal eligibility established pursuant to Section 1930 of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396u-1) for failure to meet reporting requirements, the department shall provide the beneficiary with the notice described in subdivision (a), and a form with simple and clear instructions on how to complete and return the form to the county. The form shall be used to determine whether the beneficiary is eligible for the transitional Medi-Cal program.
(c) The notice and form described in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be prepared by the department. The department shall seek input on the notice and form from beneficiaries of aid, beneficiary representatives, and counties.
(d) The department shall review, and if necessary for simplicity and clarity, revise the notice required by subdivision (b) of Section 14005.8 and Section 14005.81. The department shall seek input from beneficiaries, beneficiary representatives, and counties.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section shall become operative nine months after the effective date of this section.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section shall be implemented only if, and to the extent that, the department determines that federal financial participation, as provided under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396 et seq.), is available.
(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 294, Sec. 52. Effective August 18, 1997.)