Bill > AB2161

This bill makes changes to the Medi-Cal program to align with new federal requirements, primarily affecting "Medicaid expansion adults," which refers to low-income individuals aged 19-64 who are eligible for Medi-Cal. Firstly, it mandates that these individuals undergo eligibility redeterminations (reviews to confirm continued eligibility) every six months instead of annually, with specific exceptions. The bill also updates procedures for how counties can obtain information for these redeterminations, including accepting various electronic and telephonic signature methods, and aims to streamline the process to minimize requests for information from beneficiaries. Secondly, starting around March 2027, the bill introduces work or community engagement requirements for these Medicaid expansion adults as a condition of eligibility, unless they meet certain exemption criteria such as being a caregiver for a young child or a medically frail individual. The bill outlines various ways individuals can demonstrate compliance, such as working a minimum number of hours, participating in community service, or being enrolled in an educational program, and includes provisions for hardship exemptions and notices of noncompliance. It also requires the state to ensure its systems are programmed to handle these changes with minimal burden on beneficiaries and mandates semiannual reports to the Legislature on implementation progress, with the provisions contingent on budget appropriations and federal approval.