Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are "Special Needs" Children?

They are children who are difficult to place for adoption because of their “special needs” characteristics:  older age at adoption; emotional and/or behavioral problems; membership in a sibling group that needs to be placed together; race; and disabilities (such as developmental problems or serious medical conditions), see California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16120 for a complete list of benefits and eligibility.

What is an adoption assistance agreement?

It is a written agreement between the adoptive parents and a state agency that identifies the financial assistance and/or services that will be provided to adoptive parents on behalf of their special needs child.

What is the adoption assistance state?

The adoption assistance state is the one that signs the adoption assistance agreement regarding benefits to a particular child.  It is sometimes referred to as the “sending” state.

What is resident state?

The resident state is the one in which the child currently lives.  It is the state obligated to provide Medicaid.

ICAMA PROCESS

When does ICAMA apply?

The ICAMA applies to children:

  • Who move across state lines after their adoption is finalized.
  • Who are initially placed interstate for adoption.
  • Who are in residential treatment in a state other than the adoption assistance state.

What is the ICAMA process in California?

Responsibility for completing the ICAMA forms has been delegated to the counties and the CDSS Adoptions Regional Offices, which act for counties without a public adoption agency.  The counties and the Regional offices complete ICAMA forms 7.01California, 7.02a/b, and 7.5 and submit them to the appropriate resident state.

What documentation is needed in California for the ICAMA process?

  • ICAMA form 7.01 California, “Notice of Medicaid Eligibility/Case.”  This form notifies the resident state that a child having a signed adoption assistance agreement with a California agency has moved from California to that state and is eligible for Medicaid.  This form provides information related to the child, their parents, their eligibility, and their current residence.
  • ICAMA form 7.02, “Notice of Action.”   This form notifies the parents that an application has been sent to their new state of residence on behalf of their child.
  • ICAMA form 7.5 and 7.5 additional, “Information Exchange.”  This form provides notice that an adoption has been finalized; that the child has reached the age of majority; that the family has moved to another address in state; or that the family has moved to another state.  This form may be completed by either the adoption assistance state or the new state of residence.
  • Copy of the adoption assistance agreement (AAP).

What is the ICAMA form distribution process?

Outgoing ICAMA requests:

  • The California sending agency sends to the new state of residence the original ICAMA form 7.01 California, a copy of the adoption assistance agreement and a cover letter.  The cover letter summarizes the case; for example, the family has recently moved, or the child previously received Medicaid in their state under foster care.
  • The California sending agency sends to the CDSS, ICAMA Compact Administrator a copy of the sent ICAMA form 7.01 California and the adoption assistance agreement.
  • The California sending agency sends to the parents ICAMA form 7.02, a copy of the ICAMA form 7.01 California and the adoption assistance agreement.
  • The originating state (either California or the new state of residence) retains the original ICAMA forms, and submits copies to the recipient state, to CDSS' ICAMA Compact Administrator and to the parents.

Incoming ICAMA requests:

The sending agency sends a copy of its ICAMA package (ICAMA forms and adoption assistance agreement) to the CDSS’ ICAMA Compact Administrator.  The CDSS forwards it to The DHCS’ Medi-Cal Eligibility Branch, who then contacts the new county of residence to establish Medi-Cal eligibility.

Which states provide reciprocity of medical services?

Individual state information is provided on the Association of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (AAICAMA) website.

Contact Us

For questions related to ICPC, ICAMA, and Residential Treatment please contact:

Adoptions Assistance Program and Monitoring Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-12-521
Sacramento, CA 95814
(833) 421-8511
(833) 421-8505 FAX
Email: ICAMA@DSS.CA.GOV