(a) The department may require a client under this article to apply to enroll or otherwise participate in any other state or federal program or other contractual or legal entitlement that would provide services to the client that would otherwise be reimbursed pursuant to this article.

(b) The department may, when it determines that it is cost effective, pay the premium for, or otherwise subsidize the subscriber cost-sharing obligation for, third-party health coverage for a person eligible for services under this article.

(c) The department may, for a person eligible for services under this article, when the person’s third-party health coverage would lapse due to loss of employment, change in health status, lack of sufficient income or financial resources, or any other reason, continue the health coverage by paying the costs of continuation of group coverage pursuant to federal law or converting from a group to individual plan, when the department determines that it is cost effective.

(d) 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 this section by means of Genetically Handicapped Persons Program policy letters. Following consultation with a stakeholder workgroup consisting of, but not limited to, provider associations, provider representatives, and consumer groups to ensure stakeholder participation in the implementation of this section, including, but not limited to, any changes deemed necessary by the department and the stakeholder workgroup to update the application for enrollment form and the development of regulations, the department shall, within 18 months from the effective date of this section, adopt any necessary regulations 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.

(Added by Stats. 2009, 4th Ex. Sess., Ch. 5, Sec. 15. Effective July 28, 2009.)