About Medi-Cal
More than 15 million Californians rely on Medi-Cal, the state’s health care coverage safety net, for health insurance. Two-thirds of those on Medi-Cal are people of color and often live in communities with a lack of adequate health care providers. Without significant investments to support providers that deliver health care to California’s most vulnerable, millions living in rural and underserved areas are in jeopardy.
Children’s Behavioral Health Services Lack Timely Access
What’s happening: The California State Auditor recently investigated children’s access to Medi-Cal-covered behavioral health services.
What else to know: The auditor concluded that many Medi-Cal health plans were out of compliance with state requirements for timely care and that the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is not adequately disciplining health plans.
DHCS Authorizes Doulas Without Physician Approval for Any Medi-Cal Member
What’s happening: A new update on doula regulations from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) removes the need for physician approval to allow doulas to be present during deliveries in hospitals.
What else to know: DHCS Medical Director, Karen Mark, MD, has authorized doula services for any Medi-Cal member who is pregnant or was pregnant within the past year and wishes to receive services from a doula while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy.
Continuing Resolution Averts Government Shutdown and Delays DSH Cuts
What’s happening: The House voted 336-95 on a two-tiered stopgap measure that funds the federal government past the Nov. 17 deadline and delays Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts until Jan. 19. The Senate passed the measure on Nov. 15 and President Biden has indicated he will sign it.
What else to know: Funding expires for certain federal agencies on Jan. 19 and other agencies on Feb. 2.
Area Wage Index Litigation
This page contains important, members-only information related to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ recently finalized area wage index policy. To continue, please log in to your member account.
Proposed Changes to the No Surprises Act Independent Dispute Resolution Process
Join CHA’s Chad Mulvany and King and Spaulding’s Amanda Hayes-Kibreab as they unpack what’s in the proposed rule and how it could impact hospitals. Changes are coming, don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve!
Federal Medicaid Proposed Regulations Webinar
CHA is hosting a webinar featuring Chad Mulvany, Vice President of Federal Policy, and Robert Ducay, Vice President of Policy. Both experts will discuss their insights and potential impacts related to these proposals. They will answer any questions you have about these proposed rules.
FEMA Region 9/CalOES Reimbursement Update
Comments on the proposed rule are due to CMS by June 9. Join CHA’s Megan Howard and Chad Mulvany as they provide a summary of the proposed rule implications on your organization and how you can share your concerns on the impending changes.