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” CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-02 June 2, 2020 CCWRO Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. [image: ] CWDs Shut down- Open for Regular Non-Welfare Business, Alpine Amador Butte Del Norte Fresno Glenn Humboldt Kern Kings Madera Mariposa Mendocino Mono Nevada Orange Placer Plumas Riverside Sacramento San Bernardino San Diego San Joaquin San Luis Obispo Shasta Sierra Siskiyou Solano Sonoma Stanislaus Sutter Tehama Trinity Ventura Yolo Yuba CWDS SHUT DOWN NOT OPEN FOR REGULAR BUSINESS Alameda Contra Costa Imperial Los Angeles Monterey San Francisco Santa Clara Santa Cruz Tulare Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries According to state law and regulations, during this coronavirus pandemic, California’s hungry and impoverished persons and families are entitled to legally mandated emergency assistance safety net program benefits. However, county welfare offices closures have disregarded these mandated emergency assistance safety net program benefits. As of June 2, 2020, 44 of California’s counties are violating state laws and regulations outlined in Table 1 below. Those 44 counties have closed their offices and persons needing emergency assistance are not able to access the California safety net emergency assistance benefits of which thousands are eligible. 38 of those 44 counties were otherwise open for business, like restaurants, stores etc. except that the local welfare department was closed for business to aid poor individuals and families in need of Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance benefits that they are in dire need of. These 44 counties are also violating a federal court order known as Blanco v. Anderson, 39F.3d 969(1994), State Regulation MPP 11-601 and California State Department of Social Services Policy guidance known as ACL 93-92 (December 17, 1993) and ACL 94-11 (February 14, 1994) Blanco v. Anderson. There are also violating California Welfare and Institutions Code 11450(f)(3)(iii); 11450(f)(3)(D); 11266 and 18914. MPP 44-211.523 too. A County Coronavirus Victim of the Week On April 14, 2020, Ms. 1B9LQ59 applied for cash aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal. The application showed that her family was in need of CalWORKs Immediate Need and CalFresh Expedited Services. Sacramento County emailed her an appointment for 5-27-20. The 1B9LQ59 family were granted asylum and they did not have an SSN because the offices that issue SSNs are shut down just like the Sacramento County welfare office is shut and they only take in-person applications. With advocate assistance they were interviewed on 5\/7\/20. Benefits were issues soon thereafter. On 5-20-20 they received several notices of actions stating their cash aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits were being stopped because they failed to provide verification of applying for an SSN by 4-10-20 that was requested on 1-1-20. Although CalSAWS has proudly proclaimed that they have stopped all negative actions for current CalWORKs beneficiaries, it may not be true. The 1B9LQ59 family will not be harmed because they had help to stop this injustice, which cannot be said for thousands of other families who are not able to get legal aid help. 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-02 June 2, 2020 ”

“Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. [image: ] CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-03 June 9, 2020 CCWRO CWDs Shut down- But Open for Regular Non-Welfare Business Alameda Alpine Amador Butte Calaveras Colusa Contra Costa Del Norte Fresno Glenn Imperial Kern Kings Los Angeles Madera Marin Mariposa Mendocino Modoc Mono Monterey Nevada Orange Placer Riverside Sacramento San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco San Joaquin San Luis Obispo Santa Clara Santa Cruz Shasta Sierra Siskiyou Solano Sonoma Stanislaus Sutter Tehama Trinity Tulare Ventura Yolo Yuba Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-03 June 9, 2020 According to state law and regulations, during this coronavirus pandemic, California’s hungry and impoverished persons and families are entitled to legally mandated emergency assistance safety net program benefits. However, county welfare offices closures have disregarded these mandated emergency assistance safety net program benefits. As of June 8, 2020, 44 of California’s counties are violating state laws and regulations outlined in Table 1 below. Those 44 counties have closed their offices and persons needing emergency assistance are not able to access the California safety net emergency assistance benefits of which thousands are eligible. 38 of those 44 counties were otherwise open for business, like restaurants, stores etc. except that the local welfare department was closed for business to aid poor individuals and families in need of Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance benefits that they are in dire need of. These 44 counties are also violating a federal court order known as Blanco v. Anderson, 39F.3d 969(1994), State Regulation MPP 11-601 and California State Department of Social Services Policy guidance known as ACL 93-92 (December 17, 1993) and ACL 94-11 (February 14, 1994) Blanco v. Anderson. There are also violating California Welfare and Institutions Code 11450(f)(3)(iii); 11450(f)(3)(D); 11266 and 18914. MPP 44-211.523 too. CalSAWS Wrongfully Stopping CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal .When the Newsom Executive Order was issued banning any negative actions for safety net current beneficiaries effective March 1, 2020. ACWL March 27, 2020 stated In response to COVID-19 and to ensure that Californians are able to continue meeting their basic needs and maintaining their CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits, Executive Order N-29-20 provides authority for the California Department of Social Services to suspend redeterminations of eligibility and exempt months from the CalWORKs 48-month time clock. These changes are to be implemented for CalFresh and CalWORKs as follows: (1) Suspend the requirement to redetermine CalFresh and CalWORKs eligibility for the months of March, April, and May 2020. CalSAWS proudly proclaimed that they had stopped all negative actions for March, April and May of 2020. But that was not true. Many persons and families whose redeterminations or SAR 7 were due before March of 2020 were terminated during March, April, May of 2020. ”

” CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-04 June 22, 2020 CCWRO Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. [image: ] CWDs Shut down Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa Mendocino, Mono, Nevada Orange, Placer, Plumas Riverside, Sacramento San Bernardino, San Diego San Francisco, Contra Costa Imperial, Los Angeles Monterey, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless Assistance in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Family In Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 These 45 counties are also violating a federal court order known as Blanco v. Anderson, 39F.3d 969(1994), State Regulation MPP 11-601 and California State Department of Social Services Policy guidance known as ACL 93-92 (December 17, 1993) and ACL 94-11 (February 14, 1994) Blanco v. Anderson. It seems like the application filings have leveled off. However, counties are still closed. Most counties are operating at less than 50% capacity. There is no data available how many workers are actually working and processing applications for safety net programs of California. CalFresh Application Received During the Week Application Received During the Week 3-20 Week 2- Shut Down 3-20 Week 3 3-20 Week 4 4-20 Week 1 4-20 Week 2 4-20 Week 3 4-20 Week 4 5-20 Week 1 5-20 Week 2 5-20 Week 3 5-20 Week 4 6-20 Week 1 6-20 Week 2 41918 57177 95516 87234 93153 90561 97330 66646 60854 63107 67539 42989 40331 CalWORKs Application Received During the Week Application Received During the Week 3-20 Week 2- Shut Down 3-20 Week 3 3-20 Week 4 4-20 Week 1 4-20 Week 2 4-20 Week 3 4-20 Week 4 5-20 Week 1 5-20 Week 2 5-20 Week 3 5-20 Week 4 6-20 Week 1 6-20 Week 2 6765 6284 14380 12156 11564 9369 10636 8158 7180 7350 6165 5786 5148 3-20 Week 2- Shut Down 3-20 Week 3 3-20 Week 4 4-20 Week 1 4-20 Week 2 4-20 Week 3 4-20 Week 4 5-20 Week 1 5-20 Week 2 5-20 Week 3 5-20 Week 4 6-20 Week 1 6-20 Week 2 3-20 Week 2- Shut Down 3-20 Week 3 3-20 Week 4 4-20 Week 1 4-20 Week 2 4-20 Week 3 4-20 Week 4 5-20 Week 1 5-20 Week 2 5-20 Week 3 5-20 Week 4 6-20 Week 1 6-20 Week 2 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-04 June 22, 2020 ”

“[image: ] Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. CCWRO CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-05 July 7, 2020 CWDs shut down Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa Mendocino, Mono, Nevada Orange, Placer, Plumas Riverside, Sacramento San Bernardino, San Diego San Francisco, Contra Costa Imperial, Los Angeles Monterey, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless Assistance in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Families In Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 County WtW Sanctions Machine in Full Swing During the Pandemic When counties shut their doors per the Governor’s Executive Order, an ACWDL about WtW and the shutdown was issued dated March 13, 2020. As counties shut down, they are not able to operate their WtW programs, thus, they should not sanction CalWORKs beneficiaries living in deep poverty. The letter stated that the counties may provide good cause for nonparticipation during the coronavirus pandemic. This raised red flags for advocates who asked, why not instruct counties to provide good cause for nonparticipation during the coronavirus pandemic? Most reasonable people would assume that counties would not sanction families during the coronavirus pandemic. Some don’t, for this is not the welfare-to-work program. This is the welfare-to-sanction program. Now the reader may say here you go again . It pains us to make these assertions. But we cannot argue with the facts:ACWDL 3-30-20 While current guidance does not allow blanket curing of all sanctioned participants due to the COVID-19 emergency, CWDs are encouraged to issue pre-populated sanction cure plans for clients to sign, without solicitation from the client. Although each sanctioned individual must sign a cure plan to resolve their sanction, CWDs should consider telephonic, electronic or mail-in signatures to reduce in-person interactions and issue benefits as quickly as possible. ACWDL During the month of April 2020, 5,056 CalWORKs families were found to be out of compliance. See TABLE # 1. This, at a time when just about all welfare offices, except for Imperial County were shut down. The March13, 2020 letter also suggested that counties could cure sanctions at this time while there are no services for CalWORKs-sanctioned families to participate. Some hoped that this would reduce the sanction numbers for California. It did not. Notwithstanding ACWDL dated March 30, 2020, encouraging counties to cure sanctions for families enduring the coronavirus pandemic, the April 2020 CW 237 reports show more children and families in the sanctioned for more than one-year category. See TABLE # 2 below. TABLE # 2 – Long Term Sanctioned Children and Families Increase During the Coronavirus Pandemic Month 2020 Children in Long Term Sanctions Families in Long Term Sanctions January 61,743 26,405 February 61,594 26,372 March 61,685 26,344 April 62,348 26,738 During the month of April 2020 there were 47,637 families being sanctioned. 26,738 of the 47,637 were being sanctioned for more than one-year. That is 43% of the sanctioned families during April of 2020, during the pandemic, who never received a notice from the counties asking if they wanted to cure their sanctions. Sanction-happy counties also refused to exercise the option of curing the sanctions and implement county-wide policy and procedures for the provision of blanket good cause\/exemptions in order to avoid face-to-face interactions and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. That would have been and could still be the humane thing for counties to do during this pandemic. TABLE # 1 – Closed Counties Finding CalWORKs Beneficiaries Non-Compliant for WtW or welfare-to-sanction during April of 2020 Counties Cases Found Non- Compliant County Closed or Open? Alameda 244 Closed Fresno 132 Closed Imperial 89 Open Kern 155 Closed Los Angeles 39 Closed Monterey 29 Closed Riverside 125 Closed Sacramento 1625 Closed San Bernardino 35 Closed San Diego 1800 Closed San Francisco 32 Closed San Joaquin 82 Closed Stanislaus 54 Closed Solano 25 Closed Tehama 16 Closed Tulare 99 Closed Statewide 5056 Some counties may falsely claim that they are open because they have a table in the front door of the welfare office and hand out applications. Applicants are told to complete the application and drop it in a box. No receipt. Drop and then go home hoping someone will call sometime. ACWDL March 13, 2020 – Welfare-to-Work Participation (MPP Sections 42-712 and 42-713 CWDs may provide existing Welfare-to-Work (WTW) good cause and\/or WTW exemptions in response to COVID-19. However, as the situation with COVID-19 evolves, counties have the flexibility to implement county-wide policy and procedures for the provision of blanket good cause\/exemptions in order to avoid face-to-face interactions and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. It should be noted that extensive provision of good cause\/exemptions could have a negative effect on the work participation rate (WPR); however, per MPP Section 99-100, counties are provided relief from any potential pass-on of federal penalties when state participation rules differ from the federal WPR calculation, as well as relief for circumstances beyond the control of the county. 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-05 July 6, 2020 ”

” CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-06 July 13, 2020 [image: ] Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. CCWRO CWDs shut down Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa Mendocino, Mono, Nevada Orange, Placer, Plumas Riverside, Sacramento San Bernardino, San Diego San Francisco, Contra Costa Imperial, Los Angeles Monterey, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Effective 7-7-20. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Families in Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 During the Pandemic Many Counties Cause Food Insecurity in California Counties are requied to issue CalFresh benefits to households eligible for expedited service CalFresh within 3 days.W&IC 18914. Some of the large counties report that they have issued the benefits within 3 days (See TABLE #1): TABLE #1 Percentage of Household Receiving CF-ES after 3 days County Eligible for CF-ES Approved for CF-ES within 3 days % Approved for CF-ES within 3 days Fresno 1620 1560 96% Madera 240 233 97% Santa Clara 752 732 97% Butte 532 519 98% San Francisco 1260 1249 99% San Diego 5205 5168 99% Source: CDSS CF 296 report for the month of May 2020 Welfare & Institutions Code 18914 states: 18914 (a) In accordance with, and to the extent provided by, federal law, the county human services agency shall provide CalFresh benefits on an expedited basis as provided in subdivision (b) to households determined to be in immediate need of food assistance. (b) Pursuant to the federal requirements of Section 273.2(i)(2) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the county human services agency shall screen all CalFresh applications for entitlement to expedited service. Applicants who meet the federal criteria for expedited service as defined in Section 273.2(i)(1) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations shall receive either a manual authorization to participate or automated card or the immediate issuance of CalFresh benefits no later than the third day following the date the application was filed. (Our emphasis added) These numbers are highly suspect. We do not believe that the households eligible for CalFresh Expedited Services receive either a manual authorization to participate or automated card or the immediate issuance of CalFresh benefits no later than the third day following the date the application was filed We believe that these reports only show the households approved benefits within 3 days rather than the number of households that had the benefits on hand to use and buy food. In fact, the instructions of the CF 296 reports prove this assumption. ACL 16-39E2 states: Enter the number of applications which were approved for ES and benefits were issued within three days following the date of application. Just because a household applying for CalFresh on 6-3-20, interviewed on 6-4-20 and approved 6-5-20 does not mean they can use their benefits on 6-6-20 unless they were able to pick up their EBT card at the welfare office most of the welfare offices in California are closed during this pandemic and the month of May of 2020. This is not all the fault of the county. The CDSS reporting instructions assume that households approved are able to access their benefits upon approval. They are not. During 2020 it takes 7 to 10 days to get the EBT card once CF-ES is approved. Meanwhile, Californians suffer from food insecurity even though they have been approved for CalFresh benefits. On the other side of the ledger there are large counties who are violating the 3-day issuance law of California. The three large counties unlawfully forcing food insecure household to suffer during this pandemic are Los Angeles, Sacramento and Contra Costa County. (See TABLE # 2 below) TABLE #2 Percentage of Households Receiving CF-ES after 3 days in violation of W&IC 18914. County Eligible for CF-ES Approved for CF-ES within 3 days % Approved for CF-ES within 3 days Sonoma 497 11 2% Santa Cruz 226 11 5% Sacramento 881 258 29% Los Angeles 20101 7171 36% Contra Costa 955 433 45% Source: CDSS CF 296 report for the month of May 2020 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-06 July 14, 2020 ”

” CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-07 August 3, 2020 [image: ] Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. CCWRO CWDs shut down in reality Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa Mendocino, Mono, Nevada Orange, Placer, Plumas Riverside, Sacramento San Bernardino, San Diego San Francisco, Contra Costa Imperial, Los Angeles Monterey, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Effective 7-31-20. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Families in Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 Shut Down Counties Offices Act Like they are limited closed A long list of counties above assert that they are not open or closed , but limited . There is no definition of limited in any CDSS issued policy, duly promulgated regulation is statute. It is a term that CDSS cooked up. We have checked out come of these so-called limited counties. In Santa Clara we found the offices locked up. Alameda County had the front door open and handed out application forms, including homeless assistance applications, to be completed by the applicants and inserted in the drop box . This true for just about all counties who list the county office open as limited rather than open or closed . 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-06 July 14, 2020 ”

“CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-08 August 3, 2020 [image: ] Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. CCWRO CWDs shut down in reality Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Nevada Orange, Placer, Plumas Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego San Francisco, Contra Costa Imperial, Los Angeles Monterey, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Effective 7-31-20. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Families in Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-08- August 3, 2020 Shut Down Counties Offices Act Like they are limited closed A long list of counties above assert that they are not operating open or close , but limited . There is no definition of limited in any CDSS issued policy issuance, duly promulgated regulation or any statute. We have checked out some of these so-called limited counties. In Santa Clara County, we found the offices locked up. Alameda County had the front doors open and handed out application forms, including homeless assistance applications, to be completed by the applicants and inserted in the drop box . The County staff said we’ll call you in few days . This is true for just about all counties who reported to CDSS their county office operating as limited rather than open or closed . Contra Costa and San Bernardino Counties Offices Open Up The 7-31-20 Office closure report from CDSS shows that Contra Costa and San Bernardino County welfare offices are open for business just like they were in January and February of 2020. We have not verified this change in modality of office operations in Contra Costa and San Bernardino County. APPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE TAKE A PLUNGE Recent reports show that California Assistance Program for Immigrants took a plunge from January 2020 of 481 applications filed to March 288 and April 290. That is a 40% plunge. ”

“Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Inc. CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-09 August 17, 2020 [image: ] CCWRO CWDs shut down in reality Alameda, Alpine, Amador Butte, Del Norte, Fresno Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Imperial, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Bernardino, San Francisco San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Trinity, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba. Effective 8-20. Safety Net Program Emergency Assistance Programs Shut Down for CalWORKs and CalFresh Beneficiaries Aid to Homeless Children & Families? No Homeless in 45 California counties Violation of W&IC 11450(f)(D) & 11450(f)(3)(iii) & MPP 44-211.523 Aid to Hungry Children & Families? No CalFresh Expedited Service in 45 counties. Violation of W&IC 18913 Aid to Children & Families in Dire Need? No CalWORKs Immediate Need in 45 counties Violation of W&C 111266 1 CCWRO Coronavirus Pandemic Report 2020-09- August 17, 2020 Shut Down Counties Offices Act Like they are limited closed A long list of counties above assert that they are not operating open or close , but limited . There is no definition of limited in any CDSS issued policy issuance, duly promulgated regulation or any statute. We have checked out some of these so-called limited counties. In Santa Clara County, we found the offices locked up. Alameda County had the front doors open and handed out application forms, including homeless assistance applications. Applicants were told to complete and inserted the application in the drop box . The County staff tell them we’ll call you in few days . This is true for just about all counties who reported to CDSS their county office operating as limited rather than open or closed . Thus, widespread county intentional abuse of state laws designed to prevent child suffering is happening during all business day hours by California Counties. It is indeed county Child Abuse of during the year of 2020 by violating Blanco v. Anderson, 39F.3d 969(1994), State Regulation MPP 11-601 and California State Department of Social Services Policy guidance known as ACL 93-92 (December 17, 1993) and ACL 94-11 (February 14, 1994) Blanco v. Anderson. Novel County Practices From CalSAWS Drive thru drop off documents and verifications (Orange, San Diego) CCWRO Question- Do folks get a receipt required by state law? Drive thru BIC\/EBT Card pick-ups(Kings, Orange) Use Docu-Sign (SCL) When seeing customers at offices, ask them to wait in their cars until their appointment time(Lassen) Extend Call Center\/Work hours(Orange, Yuba Install Ring Audio\/Video device to answer questions\/screen public before entry(Siskiyou) Applications for CalWORKs, CalFresh & Medi-Cal During the Pandemic Week\/Month of 2020 CalFresh CalWORKs Medi-Cal Mar-20 Apps Received March 2020 Week 1 42,366 7,662 44,706 Apps Received March 2020 Week 2 41,918 6,765 41,630 Apps Received March 2020 Week 3 57,177 6,294 37,851 Apps Received March 2020 Week 4 95,516 14,380 55,128 Apr-20 Apps Received April 2020 Week 1 87,277 1,162 42,157 Apps Received April 2020 Week 2 93,247 11,564 42,500 Apps Received April 2020 Week 3 90,579 9,369 43,183 Apps Received April 2020 Week 4 100,226 10,665 57,068 May-20 Apps Received May 2020 Week 1 66,646 8,158 38,352 Apps Received May 2020 Week 2 60,854 7,180 37,719 Apps Received May 2020 Week 3 63,107 7,350 35,653 Apps Received May 2020 Week 4 67,539 6,165 36,899 Jun-20 Apps Received June 2020 Week 1 42,998 5,789 34,241 Apps Received June 2020 Week 2 40,675 5,160 33,922 Apps Received June 2020 Week 3 50,297 4,993 35,540 Apps Received June 2020 Week 4 67,989 7,221 54,540 Jul-20 Apps Received July 2020 Week 1 38,853 5,968 32,964 Apps Received July 2020 Week 2 44,114 6,174 36,361 Apps Received July 2020 Week 3 42,336 5,571 38,488 Apps Received July 2020 Week 4 59,013 8,210 61,136 August-20 Apps Received August 2020 Week 1 50,171 8,070 37,155 Apps Received August 2020 Week 2 Apps Received August 2020 Week 3 Apps Received August 2020 Week 4 ”

” March 20, 2020 PROGRAM MANAGER LETTER TO: ALL COUNTY CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR IMMIGRANTS (CAPI) PROGRAM MANAGERS SUBJECT: TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR IMMIGRANTS (CAPI) PROCEDURES DUE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY . REFERENCE: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. N-29-20; WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE (WIC) 18938(b), 18939(a); MANUAL OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (MPP) 30-009.224, 49-010.13, 49-015, 49-045.1; ALL COUNTY LETTER (ACL) NO. 17-31. This Program Manager Letter announces temporary changes to the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) to allow efficient continuation of approval of CAPI applications and maintenance of recipients’ CAPI benefits during the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency in the State of California. Background On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in the State of California as a result of the threat to public health resulting from the spread of COVID-19. Some of California’s most vulnerable citizens, including the aged and disabled, are among those most susceptible to infection by this deadly virus. Accordingly, on March 18, 2020, the Governor signed Executive Order No. N-29-20, temporarily waiving redeterminations in several state social services programs, including CAPI. http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18938. https:\/\/www.gov.ca.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3.17.20-N-29-20-EO.pdf http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18938. http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18939. https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/Portals\/9\/ACL\/2017\/17-31.pdf https:\/\/www.gov.ca.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3.17.20-N-29-20-EO.pdf Program Manager Letter Page Two Temporary Waiver of CAPI Face-to-Face Interview Until further notice, the face-to-face interview requirement, described in All County Letter (ACL) No. 17-31, is waived for CAPI initial applicants. CAPI application procedures Counties and CAPI consortia shall accept CAPI applications via mail and telephone. For telephone applications, county staff shall read each question on the CAPI Statement of Facts (SOC 814) and the CAPI Statement of Household Expenses and Contributions (SOC 453) to the applicant in their preferred language (with the aid of interpretation services, as necessary) and shall record the answers provided. In the case of CAPI applications received by mail, the county shall resolve any discrepancies in information provided, and shall obtain any required information missing from CAPI application forms by contacting the applicant by telephone. During phone conversations with applicants, the county or consortium shall provide any necessary explanations of the application process (including explanations of available benefits and immigration documents that must be submitted) and shall generally assist the applicant in qualifying for CAPI benefits. (Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 49-015.22). As an alternative to completing CAPI applications by telephone, counties and CAPI consortia shall have the option of completing the application process via teleconferencing technology (Skype, Facetime, etc.) that is available to and usable by both the county and the applicant. Signatures At the time that a county accepts a telephonic CAPI application, the county shall request the applicant’s permission to sign the application as proxy for the applicant (MPP 30-009.224), for the purpose of preserving the protected application date. Such permission, if granted, extends to all required forms associated with the CAPI application other than SSP 14, which SSA will accept only if signed by the claimant. As described below, the SSP 14 must be sent to the counties by mail. When a county worker receives permission from an applicant to sign the application on his or her behalf, the county should make a notation in the case file indicating that such permission was verbally granted to the county. If the applicant refuses to grant the county permission to sign the application on his or her behalf, the county must send the completed application forms to the applicant to sign and return to the county. In such cases, the protected application date will be the date on which the https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/Portals\/9\/ACL\/2017\/17-31.pdf https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/Portals\/9\/ACL\/2017\/17-31.pdf https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/Portals\/9\/FMUForms\/Q-T\/SOC814.pdf https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/Portals\/9\/FMUForms\/Q-T\/SOC453.pdf https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/cdssweb\/entres\/forms\/english\/ssp14.pdf Program Manager Letter Page Three county receives the signed application. To obtain proof of that date, counties should date stamp CAPI applications upon receipt. Completed application forms, including Interim Assistance Reimbursement forms (SSP 14 and SOC 455) must be sent to the applicant by mail (or by email, if the applicant agrees) for the purpose of obtaining the applicant’s signature and for the applicant to review for omissions or errors. The applicant must either mail the signed application forms or scan and email them to the county. Timing of CAPI application process CAPI regulations specify that eligibility information must be verified or the applicant must sign the application during a face-to-face contact. (MPP 30-009.224). As the face-to-face interview requirement is waived until further notice, the county or CAPI consortium must take steps to verify information provided by the applicant. The county shall inform the applicant of any documents needed to assist with such verifications (e,g., pay stubs, copies of leases, copies of rent checks, etc.). To avoid unnecessary delay in approving CAPI benefits, once a county has taken a CAPI application via phone or video, the county shall promptly proceed to determining the applicant’s eligibility for CAPI benefits (MPP 49-015.23) without waiting for receipt of signed forms or requested documentation. Extension of CAPI Redetermination Dates CDSS policy requires that redeterminations be conducted at least annually. (Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 18938(b); ACL No. 17-31). However, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. N-29-20, the CAPI redetermination requirement is suspended for 90 days, through June 16, 2020. Counties and CAPI consortia are not required to conduct any CAPI redeterminations until that date has passed, and are not required to go back and conduct redeterminations for individuals whose redetermination period falls between March 18, 2020 and June 16, 2020. SSI\/SSP Application Requirement for Qualified Aliens To qualify for initial and continuing eligibility for CAPI benefits, claimants who are qualified aliens (lawfully admitted permanent residents, refugees, asylees, etc.) must be denied SSI\/SSP benefits solely based on their immigration status. (WIC 18938(a); MPP 49-010.13). Accordingly, counties must refer such claimants to a local SSA field office for the purpose of applying for SSI\/SSP. (MPP 49-045.1; ACL No. 17-31). While SSA has temporarily closed its field offices to the public to https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/cdssweb\/entres\/forms\/english\/soc455.pdf http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18938. http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18938. http:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=18938. Program Manager Letter Page Four prevent the spread of COVID-19, SSA staff continue to accept all SSI\/SSP applications, including appeals, by telephone. Counties and CAPI consortia must continue to require CAPI applicants and recipients who are qualified aliens to apply for SSI\/SSP benefits, and should direct them to telephone their local field office for the purpose of applying for SSI\/SSP. SSA has agreed to work with the counties to transmit SSI\/SSP denial letters to counties via email in order to avoid undue delay in approval of CAPI benefits. County program managers with questions regarding the contents of this Program Manager Letter should contact Aron Smith, Benefit Programs Unit Manager, California Department of Social Services Adult Programs Division at 916-651-1174 or [email protected]. Sincerely, Original Document Signed By DEBBI THOMSON Deputy Director Adult Programs Division mailto:[email protected] ”

” State Hearings Division 744 P Street, MS 21-50, Sacramento, CA 95814-6485 To: CDSS SHD County Stakeholders CDSS SHD Advocate Stakeholders CDSS SHD Agency Stakeholders From : Juliet O. Macaulay Deputy Director\/Chief Administrative Law Judge CDSS State Hearings Division Date : April 6, 2020 SUBJECT : CDSS STATE HEARINGS DIVISION – COVID-19 RESPONSE -EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM ON IN-PERSON HEARING MODALITY THROUGH MAY 15, 2020 Dear CDSS SHD Stakeholders, On March 13, 2020, the CDSS State Hearings Division (SHD) informed all stakeholders that in conformity with the magnitude of the unprecedented Covid-19 emergency, the policy statements from the Governor\u02bcs Office and the California Department of Public Health; CDSS SHD was compelled to immediately move to conducting hearings by telephone in lieu of in person hearings. The primary objective in reaching that determination was to protect the health and safety of claimants and all involved in the state hearings process since most in person hearing locations are small and render it impossible to maintain a 6 feet physical distance between participants as required by the CDPH directives. Since the March 13, 2020 announcement, many more county locations have closed and remain inaccessible to the public (including claimants, claimant representatives, advocates and Administrative Law Judges). In addition, a statewide shelter in place order is now in force, exempting only specified persons\/groups. CDSS SHD – Covid 19 Response Extension of Telephone Hearings 2 | P a g e This state of affairs necessitates an extension of the temporary moratorium on in-person hearings through May 15, 2020. The SHD will continue to schedule hearings by telephone and will reassess this process on an ongoing basis. Our next assessment for cases scheduled after May 15, 2020 will occur at the end of April 2020. Be assured that we have not reached this determination lightly, and that the SHD will continue to do all it can to ensure that claimants\u02bc due process rights are protected. SHD has been able to seamlessly move to hear cases by telephone, and county \/agency representatives are fully participating by telephone, ensuring that claimants continue to have due process. We will continue to address requests for in person hearings on a case by case basis, and when specifically requested, we will schedule cases as in person hearings. However, as the hearing day approaches, where logistics such as availability of hearing sites fail, we will postpone such hearings to the next hearing cycle, with good cause, so that aid paid pending can continue when appropriate. We appreciate your flexibility as we respond to this unprecedented crisis and continue to strive to provide hearings to claimants by currently available means. Our highest priority remains the health and safety of all claimants, claimant representatives, county staff, agency representatives, and SHD staff. Please direct any questions regarding this communication to the SHD at 800-743-8525. ”

” [image: ] Management Bulletin 20-04 Early Learning and Care Division Subject: COVID-19 Guidance on Apportionment, Attendance, and Reporting Requirements Number: 20-04 Date: March 18, 2020 Expires: June 30, 2020 or unless rescinded sooner Authority: Senate Bill 117 (Chapter 3, Statutes of 2020) Attention: Executive Directors, and Program Directors of All Early Learning and Care Programs Coronavirus (COVID-19) Main Web Page Purpose This Management Bulletin (MB) is to notify and provide guidance to state-subsidized early learning and care programs about updated apportionment, attendance, and reporting requirements after the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 117. It is important to note that this is not a permanent change to statute or regulations. These requirements will apply until June 30, 2020, unless nullified or changed by the Legislature. As the situation evolves and more information is available, the California Department of Education (CDE) will issue additional guidance. The CDE encourages those that can safely provide care to do so, following state and local public health guidance in addition to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, as needs evolve, the CDE will be reaching out to early learning and care contractors and programs to have them be part of the solution in addressing the needs of working families, in particular, the needs of low income families and parents who are health workers, emergency response personnel, key governmental staff, and child care workers. Background The California Education Code (EC) and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, (5 CCR) currently set apportionment, attendance, and reporting requirements for state-subsidized early learning and care programs. Contractors are required to submit monthly or quarterly fiscal and attendance reports, to the Child Development and Nutrition Fiscal Services (CDNFS) Unit by the 20th of the month following the end of the reporting period. Pursuant to 5 CCR Section 18056(a)(2), acceptable reports not received by CDNFS by the 20th of the month are deemed delinquent and apportionments are withheld until an acceptable report is received. On March 17, 2020, the Governor signed SB 117 (Chapter 3, Statutes of 2020) which includes provisions to ensure continuity of care for children and continuity of payments to state-subsidized early learning and care programs, subject to guidance from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI). Specifically, the bill provides authority to the SSPI to issue guidance to waive specific attendance and reporting requirements imposed on state-subsidized early learning and care programs impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). This waiver authority applies to Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 and the following programs: Alternative Payment Program (CAPP), Migrant Child Care (CMIG and CMAP), California State Preschool Program (CSPP), General Child Care (CCTR), Family Child Care Home Education Networks (CFCC), Care for Children with Severe Disabilities (CHAN), and CalWORKs Stages 1, 2, and 3 (C1AP, C2AP, and C3AP) programs. This new law allows the SSPI to develop directives to modify, as necessary, contractual reporting requirements applicable for FY 2019-20 state-subsidized early learning and care programs impacted by COVID-19. The guidance below responds to this topic. In accordance with EC sections 8227.3, 8262.1, and 8262.2, contractors are authorized to use digital signatures and maintain records electronically, or convert records from a paper format to an electronic format. Please refer to Management Bulletin 16-02 https:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/ci\/mb1602.asp for additional guidance. Policy Upcoming fiscal and attendance reporting requirements are being temporarily delayed. State-subsidized early learning and care programs shall be reimbursed as provided in the Directive below. In addition, the CDE encourages state-subsidized early learning and care contractors to collaborate with their local public health departments and refer to guidance from the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. Some counties have determined that childcare is an essential service when providing care for parents who are providing essential services. Please refer to your local public health department for their definition of essential services. Directive Fiscal and Attendance Reporting Requirements Temporarily Extended The deadline to submit the February 2020 monthly report or March 2020 quarterly report has been extended to May 20, 2020. During this time, any contractors who were not previously subject to withholding of apportionments prior to the COVID-19 emergency will continue to receive monthly apportionment payments. If a contractor, during the state declared State of Emergency related to COVID-19, has the ability to submit an updated attendance and fiscal report, and if that updated data benefits the contractor, they are encouraged to do so. This may include instances when a contractor has increased enrollment since their last reporting period, thus increasing the calculated apportionment amount due. Reports currently submitted online (CAPP, CMAP, CFCC, C2AP and C3AP) may continue to be submitted online. For those reports that are currently mailed to the CDE, CDNFS is requesting that contractors email any updated attendance and fiscal reports to their fiscal analyst, in addition to mailing the original report to the CDE. The CDE Fiscal Apportionment Analyst Directory web page can be found at https:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/fg\/aa\/cd\/faad.asp. The CDE will continue to monitor the state declared State of Emergency related toCOVID-19, and will issue further guidance on reporting requirements where necessary. Contractor Monthly Apportionment Payments The extension of fiscal and attendance reporting deadlines allows CDNFS to continue to process monthly apportionment payments to contractors, despite the absence of attendance and fiscal reports. The CDNFS will use the most current attendance and fiscal report to project earnings. These projections will be the basis for determining the monthly apportionment payments. Center-Based Contractor Reimbursement Center-based contractors (CCTR, CSPP, CMIG, and CHAN) who are closed as a result of the state declared State of Emergency should refer to Management Bulletin 10-09 for emergency closure information. For center-based contractors who remain open: \u00b7 Contractors shall submit fiscal and attendance reports in accordance with the Directive above in the Fiscal and Attendance Reporting Requirements Temporarily Extended section. \u00b7 COVID-19 can be considered a family emergency; therefore, center-based contractors may include absences due to COVID-19 as excused absences. Provider Reimbursement Alternative Payment (AP) contractors must reimburse providers that have closed and are not providing services for up to 30 days after closure. Providers reimbursed by AP programs, including CalWORKs Stages 1, 2, and 3 must be reimbursed using the most recent monthly attendance record or invoice, except where otherwise provided below: \u00b7 Providers who are closed due to COVID-19 and are not able to submit their monthly attendance record or invoice shall be reimbursed based on the certified need\/certificate. For families certified for a variable schedule, providers shall be reimbursed based on the maximum authorized hours of care. License-exempt providers shall also be reimbursed based on the maximum authorized hours of care. \u00b7 Providers who are remaining open: \u00b7 These providers shall submit attendance records or invoices in accordance with current reporting policies. Providers may submit an invoice or attendance record without the parent signature if the parent is unavailable to sign due to COVID-19. \u00b7 Regardless of attendance, providers shall be reimbursed based on the certified need\/certificate. \u00b7 For families certified for variable schedule, reimbursement shall be made for the maximum authorized hours of certified need. \u00b7 For license-exempt providers reimbursement shall be made for the maximum authorized hours of certified need. \u00b7 Providers that are unable to submit an attendance record or invoice, should contact their AP contractor. The AP contractor must reimburse based on the certified need\/certificate. For families certified for variable schedule, reimburse based on the maximum authorized hours of care. For license-exempt providers reimburse based on the maximum authorized hours of care. Families who still need services, but whose usual provider is closed, can select an alternate provider that will be paid. The AP contractors should work with providers to determine the best way to receive attendance and\/or invoice records while ensuring local public health department guidelines are being met. This may include, but is not limited to, submitting electronic records, including digital signatures, or access to a drop box outside of the building. Data Reporting Requirements for Alternative Payment Contractors and County Welfare Departments The CDE and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will be asking that AP contractors and County Welfare Departments collect information and report data on dual provider payments for the time period of March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020. The CDE and CDSS will jointly issue further guidance on reporting instructions next week. We understand that there may be some cost pressures to AP contractors because of an increased need to full-time care for school age children, collection of the data above will assist us in mitigating this issue. AP contractors shall not disenroll families because of funding issues. Resources The CDSS Community Care Licensing Division has developed Provider Information Notice (PIN) 20-04-CCP, which provides a statewide waiver for operation of child care facilities, including licensees, registered TrustLine providers, and temporary employer sponsored child care, along with guidance for the implementation of prevention, containment, and mitigation measures for COVID-19. This PIN can be found on the CDSS website at https:\/\/www.cdss.ca.gov\/inforesources\/community-care-licensing. Additional information is forthcoming to address early learning and care provider payments, contracting, family fees, and reporting requirements. The CDE will additionally be developing a resource page that will include answers to frequently asked questions, all management bulletins issued to implement pertinent legislation, including MB 20-04, and other relevant resources. To be informed of the updated information, please sign up for Early Learning and Care Division’s email list at https:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/ci\/progspeclist.asp For more information about federal and state guidance and response to COVID-19, please refer to the CDC website at https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/, the California Department of Public Health’s website at https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/, and the California COVID-19 Response website at https:\/\/covid19.ca.gov\/. If you have any questions regarding the information in this MB, please contact your assigned Early Learning and Care Consultant via the CDE Consultant Regional Assignments web page at https:\/\/www.cde.ca.gov\/sp\/cd\/ci\/assignments.aspor by phone at 916-322-6233. This Management Bulletin is mandatory only to the extent that it cites a specific statutory and\/or regulatory requirement. Any portion of this Management Bulletin that is not supported by a specific statutory and\/or regulatory requirement is not prescriptive pursuant to California Education Code Section 33308.5. Questions: Early Learning and Care Division | 916-322-6233 Last Reviewed: Thursday, April 9, 2020 1 ”

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” State of California\u2014Health and Human Services Agency Department of Health Care Services BRADLEY P. GILBERT, MD, MPP GAVIN NEWSOM DIRECTOR GOVERNOR DATE March 16, 2020 Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No.: I 20-07 TO: ALL COUNTY WELFARE DIRECTORS ALL COUNTY WELFARE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ALL COUNTY MEDI-CAL PROGRAM SPECIALISTS\/LIAISONS SUBJECT: ACCESS TO CARE DURING PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS OR DISASTER FOR MEDI-CAL The purpose of this Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter (MEDIL) is to instruct counties to delay the processing of Medi-Cal annual redeterminations and delay discontinuances and negative actions for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP), Medi-Cal Access Infant Program (MCAIP), and County Children’s Health Initiative Program (CCHIP) based on the declared State and National Emergency due to COVID-19. The delay shall be effective for 90 days from the date of this MEDIL. To allow for counties to prioritize processing of access to care issues, and concentrate staffing resources where needed during this public health crisis, the county shall stop processing annual renewals immediately and may exceed the timeliness standard for all administrative processing of Medi-Cal or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) redeterminations. The delay shall be effective for 90 days from the date of this MEDIL. County Eligibility Workers shall document the reason for the delay in processing in the case file, and should include the following statement for auditing purposes: Delayed redetermination processing for Medi-Cal or CHIP benefits approved due to state or federally declared major public health crisis or natural disaster. In addition, the county shall delay discontinuances and negative actions as a result of renewals and reported changes in circumstances to ensure beneficiaries remain eligible for Medi-Cal. The delay shall be effective for 90 days from the date of this MEDIL. The county shall continue to process determinations or redeterminations for those individuals who would gain access to health care coverage and resolve barriers related to access to care such as new applications, intercounty transfers, adding a person, a decrease in income, or prioritizing 90-day cure period restorations. The county shall document the delay in processing discontinuances or negative actions in the case file using the statement from All County Welfare Directors Letter (ACWDL) 19-01 for auditing purposes: Medi-Cal Eligibility Division 1501 Capitol Avenue, MS 4607 P.O. Box 997413, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 (916) 552-9200 phone (916) 552-9477 fax Internet Address: www.dhcs.ca.gov https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/ACWDL\/2019\/19-01.pdf www.dhcs.ca.gov Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No.: I 20-07 Page 2 March 16, 2020 Delayed discontinuance of Medi-Cal or CHIP benefits approved due to state or federally declared major public health crisis or natural disaster. Please continue to refer to the following ACWDLs and MEDILs regarding public health crisis or disaster: MEDIL I 20-06 Public Health Crisis or Disaster Reminders for Medi-Cal, ACWDL 19-01 Exceptions due to Public Health Crisis or Disaster, MEDIL I 17-16 Processing Applications from Individuals Affected by Disasters, and ACWDL 15-36 Guidance to Counties on Treatment of Applications\/Redeterminations in Disaster Areas and Treatment of Disaster If you have any questions, or if we can provide further information, please contact Bonnie Tran by phone at (916) 345-8063 or by email at [email protected]. Original Signed by Sandra Williams, Chief Medi-Cal Eligibility Division https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/MEDIL\/2020\/I20-06.pdf https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/ACWDL\/2019\/19-01.pdf https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/MEDIL\/2017\/I17-16.pdf https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/ACWDL\/2015\/15-36.pdf mailto:[email protected] ”

” State of California\u2014Health and Human Services Agency Department of Health Care Services BRADLEY P. GILBERT, MD, MPP GAVIN NEWSOM DIRECTOR GOVERNOR DATE March 12, 2020 Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No.: I 20-06 TO: ALL COUNTY WELFARE DIRECTORS ALL COUNTY WELFARE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ALL COUNTY MEDI-CAL PROGRAM SPECIALISTS\/LIAISONS SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS OR DISASTER REMINDERS FOR MEDI-CAL The purpose of this Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter (MEDIL) is to remind counties to utilize existing guidance to continue processing applications and redeterminations for individuals affected by public health crises and disasters. On March 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak and the increase in the number of positive cases across the state. Please refer to the following All County Directors Letters (ACWDL) or MEDIL when processing applications or redeterminations from individuals affected by any California public health crisis or disaster: ACWDL 19-01 Exceptions due to Public Health Crisis or Disaster, MEDIL I 17-16 Processing Applications from Individuals Affected by Disasters, and ACWDL 15-36 Guidance to Counties on Treatment of Applications\/Redeterminations in Disaster Areas and Treatment of Disaster Assistance for Modified Adjusted Gross Income and Related Information As outlined in the above guidance, for all populations affected by a public health crisis or disaster, counties shall: Continue to provide benefits beyond the certification period, as needed, to provide additional time to submit renewals or verifications, and Modify eligibility requirements at application or renewal to allow for self-attestation o Important Reminder: Counties may accept a signed and dated affidavit, under penalty of perjury, to verify California residency, income, and Medi-Cal Eligibility Division 1501 Capitol Avenue, MS 4607 P.O. Box 997413, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 (916) 552-9200 phone (916) 552-9477 fax Internet Address: www.dhcs.ca.gov Important Reminder: Counties may accept a signed and dated affidavit, under penalty of perjury, to verify California residency, income, and property from applicants who are unable to provide necessary verifications due to the public health crisis or disaster. https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/ACWDL\/2019\/19-01.pdf https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/MEDIL\/2017\/I17-16.pdf https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/ACWDL\/2015\/15-36.pdf www.dhcs.ca.gov Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No.: I 20-06 Page 2 March 12, 2020 property from applicants who are unable to provide necessary verifications due to the public health crisis or disaster. As beneficiaries find it necessary to relocate to be with family or friends in another county, counties may begin receiving urgent requests for inter-county transfers (ICTs). Please remember that Medi-Cal beneficiaries may contact either the Receiving County or Sending County to assist with transferring their case on a permanent or short-term basis. Counties should follow the existing processes for changes needed to the Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan coverage: Submit the on-line fillable form to the Office of the Ombudsman as directed in MEDIL I 14-59. The online, fillable form should be used when requesting expedited: o Plan Changes o Plan Enrollments o Plan Disenrollments o Removal of 59 Holds Counties are to submit the form to the website located at: http:\/\/dhcs.ca.gov\/MCOmbudsman or contact the Office of the Ombudsman by phone at 1-888-452-8609. If you have any questions, or if we can provide further information, please contact Bonnie Tran by phone at (916) 345-8063 or by email at [email protected]. Original Signed by Sandra Williams, Chief Medi-Cal Eligibility Division https:\/\/www.dhcs.ca.gov\/services\/medi-cal\/eligibility\/Documents\/MEDIL\/2014\/I14-59.pdf http:\/\/dhcs.ca.gov\/MCOmbudsman mailto:[email protected] ”

” The Council of State Governments COVID-19 STATEMENT: With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), The Council of State Governments is closely monitoring this rapidly changing situation to ensure the protection of you, our members and partners, as well as our commitment to maintain our continued dedication to championing excellence in the states. As this situation evolves, CSG will make decisions as to how to proceed with our convenings, and we promise that you will be the first to know when those important decisions are made. Please visit us online, at this website, or reach out to with questions. All State Executive Orders – ”