AB 1849 Summary

• Requires county welfare departments to verify that youth and nonminor dependents are enrolled in Medi-Cal and provide information about transitioning into the Medi-Cal program for former foster youth upon case closure with no interruption in coverage.

• Mandates that the 90-day transition plan prior to a youth turning 18 must include specific health insurance information, including verification of Medi-Cal enrollment and steps to ensure continued coverage without requiring a new application.

• Requires county welfare departments to provide nonminors with a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card and documentation of continued enrollment in Medi-Cal for eligible nonminors up to age 26 before terminating dependency jurisdiction.

• Establishes that courts cannot terminate dependency jurisdiction over an 18-year-old nonminor until verifying that the required transition planning documents and health insurance assistance have been provided.

• Creates state-mandated local program duties for counties regarding foster youth health insurance transitions, with no state reimbursement required as the costs are considered increases to programs already funded through 2011 Realignment Legislation.