Dear Advocate:

I receive Medi-Cal with a share of cost. My income went up a little in 2020, but I never reported the change to Medi-Cal. Will I owe Medi-Cal back payments for my share of cost? I have limited savings and I am worried I’ll lose my IHSS benefits.

Sincerely, Worried in Wilmington

Dear Worried in Wilmington:

An emergency declaration by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services allowed the government to suspend negative actions for Medi-Cal, such as increasing share of cost (except for residents of long term care facilities). After the Public Health Emergency ends, Medi-Cal will not apply share of cost increases retroactively. This means that you will not owe back payments for your share of cost. You should still complete your redetermination packet and report your change of income, but you will not receive any negative action as a result until the end of the Public Health Emergency. Your new share of cost will be applied going forward after the Public Health Emergency ends.