The 250% Working Disabled program became effective April 1, 2000. An individual eligible for this 250% program will not have a Medi-Cal share of cost, but rather will pay a monthly premium ranging from $20 to $250. A working disabled couple who qualifies for this program will pay a monthly premium ranging from $30 to $375. The DHS, not the county is responsible for collecting the premium.

In order to qualify for the 250% program, a working disabled person or couple must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Except for earnings, meet the federal definition of disability and meet the nonfinancial requirements of the Medi-Cal program. Substantial gainful activity is not a consideration in determining whether disability exists.

2. Except for earnings, meet eligibility requirements of the SSI/SSP program.
   
3. Family income must be less than 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Disability income of the applicant is exempt. Family income includes the applicant's or beneficiary's own income, except disability income; the spouse's income if the spouse has income above a certain SSI threshold; and the income of the parent if the applicant or beneficiary is a child. Effective April 1, 2000, the FPL for a single person is $1740 monthly. The FPL for two persons is $2344 monthly.


If the applicant is a single individual or is married but spousal deeming rules do not apply, the $1740 FPL level for one applies. If the applicant is married but spouse deeming rules do apply, the $2344 FPL for two applies.

The FPL is not increased to account for children living in the home.

4. The beneficiary or beneficiaries must pay the monthly premium. If the otherwise eligible individual or couple does not pay the applicable premium for two consecutive months, the DHS will issue a Notice of Action discontinuing such person(s) from the 250% program.

   Restricted scope aliens are ineligible for the 250% program because they are ineligible for SSI/SSP.

   While the DHS collects the premium, the county computes the premium. This ACWDL includes a chart that sets out the premium amounts an individual or couple is required to pay. An individual with less than $600 countable income has a $20 premium, while an individual with countable income in excess of $2101 but less than $2344 monthly must pay a $250 monthly premium (an eligible individual with a spouse may qualify for the $250 % program if net countable income is less than or equal to the $2344 FPL for two persons when spousal deeming applies). The premium for an eligible couple ranges from $30 monthly for a couple with net countable income less than $600 monthly up to $375 for an eligible couple with income between $2101 and $2344.

   This ACWDL also addresses in-kind support and maintenance rules and describes the premium collection system.