SB 33 Summary

• Limits Medi-Cal estate recovery claims to only those services required under federal law (nursing facility services, home and community-based services, and related hospital and prescription drug services for individuals 55 and older).

• Restricts claims against decedent estates to real and personal property required under federal law; eliminates claims when a surviving spouse, child under 21, or disabled child exists.

• Requires the department to waive recovery claims when the estate is a homestead with fair market value at or below 50 percent of the average home price in the county where the home is located.

• Allows beneficiaries to request information about recoverable Medi-Cal expenses once per calendar year for a maximum $5 fee through internet, telephone, mail, or electronic means, with responses required within 90 days.

• Applies these changes only to individuals who die on or after January 1, 2016.