DPSS ePolicy

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This policy identifies the roles and responsibilities of an Authorized Representative (AR) during the pre and post release process for inmates applying for Medi-Cal under the Pre-Release Program.

Pre-Release

While in custody, the inmate can designate staff from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Transitional Case Management Program (TCMP) to act as their AR.  The TCMP AR must be identified on the CDCR cover letter and the Single Streamlined Application (SSApp), which is submitted to the County on the inmates’ behalf as part of the Pre-Release packet.

Post-Release

After an inmate has been released, a completed Authorization for Release of Information – Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) (CDCR 7385-A) form can be submitted with the Pre-Release packet, to designate an AR to act on their behalf.  The CDCR 7385-A form allows the AR to request and receive information regarding the applicant’s Medi-Cal benefits based on the following:

1. Timeframe as listed on Page 1 “Dates of Information Authorized for Release” or,
   
2. Expiration Date as listed on the top of Page 2.

The inmate pre-release application process was established to ensure inmates have continued access to health coverage upon their release to the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and/or Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS).  Prior to release, TCMP workers are required to assist inmates in completing a pre-release Medi-Cal application packet and submitting this information to the inmate’s county of residence.  For Los Angeles County, all pre-release applications are forwarded by CDCR directly to the Medi-Cal Outreach District 16 (MOD) for processing.  

The pre-release packet includes the following documents:

1. CDCR Cover Letter, which contains the following information:
   • Identifies the AR.
   • Contains inmate information such as:  name, date of birth, anticipated release date, and County of residence.
     
2. SSApp (page 15):  Also identifies AR.
   
3. CDCR form 7385-A:  Identifies any additional person(s) and/or organization(s) authorized to receive information, which includes:
   • Type of information and timeframe when the authorization is valid. 

Collectively, the forms identify the type of information being released, the purpose in which the information will be used, and the authorization expiration date.  

If the AR is designated via SSApp (page 15) and CDCR cover letter, then the AR is limited to requesting information prior to inmate being released.

If the AR is designated via CDCR 7385-A, then the AR can only request the information specified on the CDCR 7385-A based on the following:

1. Up to one year from the date signed on the form or,
   
2. Date the authorization expires.
   Note:  Form is used only by CDCR staff.

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