Disabled Sue to Block Loss of Benefits

A coalition of disabled citizens filed suit Tuesday challenging a plan to cut off Medi-Cal benefits to the disabled when they have been denied similar federal aid, a move the group said could leave thousands with nowhere to turn for medical care.

The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by the Ventura-based Disabled Rights Union seeks a court order blocking implementation of the new state policy, scheduled to take effect March 1.

Under existing regulations, disabled people may apply for health care assistance under the state-administered Medi-Cal program and may also apply for federal Supplemental Security Income assistance for the disabled.

After prodding by the federal government, the state Department of Health Services recently announced that it will discontinue Medi-Cal benefits once recipients are determined to be ineligible for SSI, presumably because a determination has been made that they are not legally disabled.