The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released a draft assessment of California health plans’ compliance with time/distance access standards for managed care patients. According to the assessment, only a small number of plans failed to meet these standards for at least 99% of enrollees.
In addition, approximately 48-62% of non-facility-based practitioners saw at least one enrollee during the study period. Only 20% of facility-based practitioners saw at least one enrollee. Requirements for the assessment were previously shared in CHA News.
The assessment also notes that DHCS demonstrated an “overall well-defined, compliant approach” to implementing the Medi-Cal managed care final rule.
Comments on the assessment should be submitted using the provided form by June 28. DHCS has established an advisory committee that will provide feedback on the assessment at a meeting on June 20. The committee includes representatives from consumer advocacy organizations, providers, provider associations, health plans, health plan associations and legislative staff.
CHA’s Amber Kemp, vice president, health care coverage, represents CHA members on the advisory committee. CHA will submit comments on the draft assessment; members who wish to provide feedback should email Amber Kemp by close of business on June 21.