At the end of 2022, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) reached an agreement with five commercial managed care plans (MCP) to deliver Medi-Cal services in 21 counties across the state starting in January 2024. As a result, approximately 1.2 million Medi-Cal patients will be required to transition to a new a new health plan, and in some counties Medi-Cal patients will have the ability to select from more than one plan. 

DHCS recently updated its 2024 MCP Transition Policy Guide to include a table that lists Medi-Cal managed care plan changes slated to take effect January 1, 2024, and relevant transition-related policies by county. Physicians are encouraged to review the table to see what changes are coming to their counties.

The policy guide also contains DHCS policy and plan requirements, including:  

• Member Enrollment and Noticing  
• Continuity of Care requirements  
• Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Transition requirements  

The California Medical Association (CMA) is also hosting a free webinar with DHCS on August 10, 2023, to help physicians understand and prepare for the transition. DHCS will present an overview of the transition, including health plan changes by county, work underway to ensure a smooth transition, the enrollee continuity of care policy, and physician and patient resources available. DHCS will be available for a question-and-answer session and would like to hear feedback from physicians about how to ensure a smooth transition for Medi-Cal enrollees and providers.

The one-hour webinar on August 10 is free to all interested parties. Click here to register.