About Medi-Cal
Every year, California’s hospitals treat millions of patients, many of them covered by Medi-Cal, the state’s health care safety net. This includes numerous essential health care services, including care for more than 50% of all births, 51% of behavioral health-related emergency department visits, and 49% of rural hospital patient care But for low-income Californians who rely on Medi-Cal for coverage — two-thirds of whom are people of color — their care is at serious risk. Communities with high Medi-Cal enrollment already suffer from a severe lack of health care providers and with hospital services at risk of being reduced and outright closures looming, California’s most vulnerable, including people living in rural and underserved areas, are in jeopardy.
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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Majority of California Congressional Delegation Calls for Elimination of Medicaid DSH Cuts
In a large showing of bipartisan support, 47 of the 53 members of the California congressional delegation sent a letter urging Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to eliminate the scheduled cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) for two years.
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.
Medicaid DSH Cuts Delayed Until Nov. 21 Through Federal Budget Continuing Resolution
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution to provide funding for the federal government for the first few weeks of federal fiscal year 2020, which begins Oct. 1. Of particular note for California’s safety-net hospitals, the measure includes a provision to delay the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) cuts slated to take effect on Oct. 1. The delay is in place until Nov. 21.
CMS Finalizes Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Allotment Reductions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule implementing reductions to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments, as required by the Affordable Care Act, beginning in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020 through FFY 2025.
CHA Submits Joint Letter on Proposed Rule to Rescind Methods Assuring Access to Covered Medi-Cal Services
CHA, the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, Private Essential Access Community Hospitals, Inc., the California Children’s Hospital Association, and the District Hospital Leadership Forum have submitted a joint letter opposing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rule that would rescind current requirements for the way states assure access to covered Medicaid services.
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.