DPSS ePolicy

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An individual must reside in California and meet eligibility requirements to be eligible for Medi-Cal.  For most individuals, residency is established if they are living in California and intend to reside in the State.  In addition, residency may also be established if the individual entered the State with a job commitment or to seek employment, whether or not they are currently employed.   

This policy document provides clarifications and instructions for the following:   

1. Individuals residing in California for purposes of attending school can meet California residency requirements for Medi-Cal even if they plan to return to their prior state between school years.
   
   
2. Medi-Cal beneficiaries can remain eligible even if they temporarily leave California to attend school in another state.
    

In general, an individual may not receive Medicaid coverage in more than one state at the same time.  However, it may be possible for an eligible individual to receive Medicaid in two states.  This happens when a beneficiary is transitioning from their home state to a new state and there is confirmation that the former state is ending eligibility as soon as possible. 

Medi-Cal eligible individuals who temporarily leave California to attend school in another state should inform their county of their intent to maintain California residency during the temporary absence from the State. 

California Residents Attending School in Another State
 
Medi-Cal beneficiaries may continue to be eligible if they plan to return to California when they temporarily leave to attend school in another state.  
 
Medi-Cal will only cover emergency services when the beneficiary is temporarily absent from the State.  This includes emergency services provided in the United States and emergency services that require hospitalization in Canada or Mexico.  Out-of-state providers must be willing to accept Medi-Cal and must meet the Medi-Cal provider requirements. 
 
For emergency services outside of California, out-of-state providers or beneficiaries can contact the Out-of-State Provider Unit at (916) 936-1960.  Providers can also visit: https://mcweb.apps.prd.cammis.medi-cal.ca.gov for more information.
 
Medi-Cal beneficiaries may choose to discontinue their Medi-Cal eligibility and apply for Medicaid in the state where they are attending school.  For students opting to apply for benefits in their new state, Medi-Cal eligibility must be discontinued as soon as possible.  These students continue to be counted in the household as long as they are being claimed as tax dependents.

Individuals Who Come to California to Attend School

Medi-Cal eligibility can be established for an individual who comes to California from another state to attend school while residing in California.  The individual must also meet all other eligibility requirements.  This includes providing applicable tax household information if they are claimed as tax dependents.
 
If the individual was on Medicaid in their prior state of residence, and is otherwise Medi-Cal eligible, Medicaid eligibility must be discontinued as soon as possible. 

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