DHCS Seeks Federal Approval for No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccines for Medi-Cal Beneficiaries
With the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of COVID-19 vaccines, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is seeking federal approval to help support delivery of the vaccine to all Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
DHCS Delays Implementation of Medi-Cal Rx Until April 1
Given the ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has decided to delay the full implementation of Medi-Cal Rx until April 1, 2021.
CHA Issues Summary of Medicaid Managed Care Final Rule
CHA has issued a detailed summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, of the Medicaid Managed Care final rule recently issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
CMS Finalizes 2018 Proposed Rule for Medicaid Managed Care and CHIP
Earlier today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that revises Medicaid Managed Care and Children’s Health Insurance Program regulations intended to reduce state administrative burden and increase program flexibility. CHA provided written comments on CMS’ proposed rule in January 2019.
DHCS Posts Medi-Cal Rx Prescriber and Pharmacy Training Registration
In advance of the transition of pharmacy services to Medi-Cal Rx starting on Jan. 1, 2021, the Department of Health Care Services recently launched a training registration application on the Medi-Cal Rx portal for Medi-Cal prescribers and pharmacies.
DHCS Seeking Federal Approval for No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccines for Medi-Cal Beneficiaries
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New Infographic Available on Hospital Fee Program
CHA has developed for members a new infographic on the Hospital Fee Program, highlighting the expected changes between the 2017-19 Hospital Fee Program (V) and the 2019-21 Hospital Fee Program (VI). The infographic illustrates the shift in payment structure toward managed care “directed payments,” which requires a hospital to be a network provider to receive a payment.
Advisory Group Meeting on Medi-Cal Pharmacy Carve-Out Set for July 24
CHA encourages members to participate in an upcoming meeting on the Governor’s Executive Order that would transition pharmacy services from Medi-Cal managed care plans into the fee-for-service delivery system by January 2021 — which will impact hospitals that participate in the 340B Drug Discount Program. The meeting will be held July 24 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Sacramento, and is designed to facilitate community awareness and provide a forum for stakeholder feedback.
Covered California Announces Preliminary Rates and Carriers for 2020
Covered California announced today that the preliminary average rate change for the 2020 individual market will be 0.8% — lower than the actual average increase over the past five years (7.9%), and the lowest rate change since Covered California first began offering coverage in 2014.
DMHC Releases Guidance on General Licensure Regulation
The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has released final guidance on its Knox-Keene licensure regulation, which applies to any contract entered into, amended, or renewed on or after July 1. The regulation, among other things, defines various types of risk and requires entities that assume any amount of global risk to either obtain a license under the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 or receive an exemption from DMHC.