Bill > SB324

This bill modifies the Medi-Cal program to enhance how enhanced care management (ECM) and community supports are delivered to low-income individuals. It requires Medi-Cal managed care plans to contract with community providers who have experience serving specific populations and can meet quality requirements when delivering ECM or community supports. The bill mandates that managed care plans honor patients' preferences by allowing them to choose their service provider when requesting ECM or community support services. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health Care Services to publish quarterly (instead of annual) reports on service utilization, expand demographic data reporting, develop standardized templates to help community providers contract with managed care plans, and create guidance that allows community providers to act as primary or third-tier subcontractors. The bill also broadens the definition of "community provider" to include locally available, community-based nonprofit organizations with direct experience serving Medi-Cal populations. These changes aim to improve healthcare access and support for vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, high hospital utilizers, those with complex health needs, and people transitioning from institutional settings like nursing facilities or incarceration.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB324