DPSS ePolicy

• To convert existing policy to the new webpage – No content changes
• To revise existing policy and/or form(s)
  

What changed?

1. Minors can apply and/or renew eligibility for Minor Consent services in-person or telephonically.
2. Prior references to "property" have been removed due to the elimination of asset/property limits effective January 1, 2024.

Under the Minor Consent Program, eligible minors are allowed to apply for and receive limited-scope Medi-Cal benefits without parental consent.  The program provides services related to:

1. Drug and alcohol abuse;
2. Family planning;
3. Outpatient mental health treatment and counseling;
4. Pregnancy/pregnancy-related services;
5. Sexual assault; and
6. Sexually transmitted diseases.

Minor Consent services can be requested even if the minor is being aided under the parent’s Medi-Cal case or private insurance.  Eligibility for the program must be established the day the request for services is made.  Requests for Minor Consent services may be made in-person or telephonically (Applications for Minor Consent services must not be accepted when received via mail or the Online Portals).  All information related to Minor Consent services must be kept confidential and should not be shared with anyone, including the parent, caretaker relative, or guardian.

The California Family Code (Sections 6924-6929) states that a minor living in the home with their parents or a caretaker relative acting in a parental capacity may, without parental/caretaker relative knowledge or consent, apply for specific health related services known as Minor Consent services.

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Age

1. Any person under 21 years old, married or unmarried, and living with their parent(s) or caretaker relative.
2. A blind or disabled person, 18-21 years old, living at home and attending school.
3. Any person under 21 years old, married or unmarried, who is living away from home (i.e., attending school) or living away from home and has a parent, caretaker relative, or legal guardian handling any of their financial affairs.

1. A blind or disabled person, 18-21 years old, living at home and not in school.
2. A person 14-18 years old living away from home and handling all their own financial affairs.

Living Arrangement

A minor must be considered living in the home to be eligible for Minor Consent services.  Other living situations that are considered “living in the home” are:

1. Temporarily away from home (i.e., attending school), or
2. Temporarily living with another relative or friend, and parent(s) is/are legally and financially responsible for the minor, i.e., minor is claimed as an income tax dependent by parent(s).
    

Application

1. Applications and ongoing eligibility benefits for Minor Consent services can be made in-person or telephonically.
2. Minor Consent services are approved on a month-to-month basis and cover the application month only.
3. The initial application for Minor Consent services must include the following forms:
   • MC 210, Application for Medi-Cal (Minor Consent Only), (To be used for Minor Consent services only).
   • MC 210A, Supplement to Statement of Facts for Retroactive Coverage (this is only needed if requesting retroactive coverage).
   • MC 4026, Request For Eligibility Limited Services.
   • MC 219, Important Information For Persons Requesting Medi-Cal.
4. For continuous coverage, minors are only required to submit an MC 4026.  This form must be completed in-person or telephonically for each month Minor Consent services are requested.  This rule only applies when there is no break in aid.

Statement from Mental Health Professionals

Minors requesting Minor Consent services for outpatient mental health treatment and counseling services must submit a written statement from a mental health professional which states that the minor needs mental health treatment or counseling.

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