CA AB2823

Establishes eligibility for long-term care Medi-Cal residents to receive a home upkeep allowance to maintain their existing home while temporarily residing in a skilled nursing facility, based on actual costs of mortgage/rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.

Authorizes a transitional needs allowance for residents without existing homes who intend to establish a home in the community, covering costs such as rent deposits, utility deposits, accessibility modifications, and essential furnishings.

Limits both allowances to a maximum of six months per continuous institutionalization period and requires physician certification that the resident is likely to return home or to the community.

Requires the department to seek federal approval by July 1, 2023, and implement the provisions through provider bulletins and instructions, with formal regulations to be adopted within two years.

Mandates the department notify Medi-Cal branches, eligibility workers, long-term care facilities, and residents of these allowances through updated forms, notices, and outreach activities.