(a) The department shall seek approval from the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide individuals made eligible pursuant to Section 14005.60 with the alternative benefit package option authorized by Section 1396u-7(b)(1)(D) of Title 42 of the United States Code. Effective January 1, 2014, the alternative benefit package shall provide the same schedule of benefits provided to full-scope Medi-Cal beneficiaries qualifying under the modified adjusted gross income standard pursuant to Section 1396a(e)(14) of Title 42 of the United States Code, except coverage of long-term services and supports shall be excluded unless otherwise required by Section 1396u-7(a)(2) of Title 42 of the United States Code or made available pursuant to subdivision (b). The alternative benefit package shall also include any benefits otherwise required by Section 1396u-7 of Title 42 of the United States Code and any regulations or guidance issued pursuant to that section.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 14005.64, and only to the extent federal approval is obtained, the department shall provide coverage for long-term services and supports to only those individuals who meet the asset requirements imposed under the Medi-Cal program for receipt of the services.

(c) For purposes of this section, long-term services and supports include nursing facility services, a level of care in any institution equivalent to nursing facility services, home- and community-based services furnished under the state plan or a waiver under Section 1315 or 1396n of Title 42 of the United States Code, home health services as described in Section 1396d(a)(7) of Title 42 of the United States Code, and personal care services described in Section 1396d(a)(24) of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(d) The department may seek approval of any necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement this section.

(e) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time any necessary regulations are adopted. The department shall adopt regulations by July 1, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Beginning six months after the effective date of this section, and notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, until regulations have been adopted.

(f) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(Amended (as added by Stats. 2013, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 4, Sec. 28) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 442, Sec. 13. (SB 28) Effective January 1, 2014.)