CA AB1235

Establishes a home upkeep allowance for long-term care facility residents who intend to return to their existing home, set aside from their Medi-Cal share of cost and based on actual home maintenance expenses (mortgage/rent, property taxes, insurance)

Creates a transitional personal needs fund (capped at $7,500) for residents without a home who intend to establish one in the community, covering costs for rent, deposits, accessibility modifications, and essential furnishings

Requires physician certification that a resident is likely to return home within six months to qualify for the home upkeep allowance, and allows the transitional fund to revert to the state if no home is secured within four months

Mandates the Department of Health Care Services seek federal approval by July 1, 2016 before implementing these provisions, which shall only take effect if federal financial participation is available and approvals are obtained

Requires the department to inform long-term care facility residents, eligibility workers, hospitals, and relevant organizations about the availability of both allowances through notices and outreach activities