DHCS Stakeholder Update - March 10, 2023
Top News
Correction: Optional COVID-19 Group for Uninsured and Underinsured Individuals
To correct last week’s update that reported coverage expiring on May 11, DHCS is clarifying that coverage expires on May 31. California has taken advantage of the “optional COVID-19 group” that provides uninsured and underinsured individuals with Medi-Cal coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment at no cost to the individual through the COVID-19 Uninsured Group (UIG) Program.
This coverage expires on the last day of the month in which the federal COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends, May 31, 2023. In order to prepare individuals in this program for the end of the federal COVID-19 PHE, DHCS will send them a sunset notice in their preferred language with a copy of the “Application for Health Insurance” and a “Notice of Language Services (GEN 1365)” beginning on March 20, 2023.
Program Updates
California Report on Plans for Prioritizing and Distributing Renewals
On March 10, 2023, DHCS will publish California’s submission of the federal “State Report on Plans for Prioritizing and Distributing Renewals Following the End of the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provisions” that was submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the continuous coverage unwinding federal requirements. This report includes California’s estimate of monthly renewals distribution statewide by individual-level caseload across the 12-month unwinding period. The report also includes a summary of the state’s plans for initiating renewals through the unwinding period. This report will be posted to the DHCS Medi-Cal Enrollment data page under “DHCS Continuous Coverage Unwinding Data.” Telehealth Policy: Executive Summary
DHCS updated its Medi-Cal telehealth policies in response to Senate Bill No. 184 (Chapter 47), and Assembly Bill 32 (Chapter 515). Policy revisions extend most telehealth policies after the COVID-19 PHE ends, including audio-only services and payment parity. These revisions are reflected in DHCS’ Telehealth Policy Paper, and the DHCS Telehealth Provider Manual. For questions, please email the DHCS telehealth inbox at Medi-Cal_Telehealth@dhcs.ca.gov. California’s Reproductive Health Access Section 1115 Demonstration
On March 16, DHCS will launch 30-day public and Tribal public comment periods to solicit feedback on a proposed Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration, entitled California’s Reproductive Health Access Demonstration (CalRHAD). DHCS is seeking approval from CMS to provide competitive grants to reproductive health providers to enhance capacity and access to sexual and reproductive health services, promote the sustainability of California’s reproductive health provider safety net, and benefit individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and other individuals who currently face barriers to such access.
Additional information about the CalRHAD application will be available on the CalRHAD webpage on March 16, following the launch of the public comment periods, which will run from March 16 through April 17.
DHCS will host two public hearings to solicit stakeholder comments. The meetings will have online video streaming and telephonic conference capabilities to ensure statewide accessibility.
The first hearing (advance Zoom registration required) will be held on March 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. PT. The webinar ID is 934 7718 5979 and the passcode is 032923. Call-in: (312) 626-6799 or (888) 788-0099 (Toll Free).
The second hearing (advance Zoom registration required) will be held on April 3, from 9 to 10 a.m. PT. The webinar ID is 935 9888 3169 and the passcode is 040323. Call-in: (312) 626-6799 or (888) 788-0099 (Toll Free).
Indian Health Program (IHP) Awards and Request for Application (RFA)
On March 15, DHCS’ Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA) anticipates issuing grant awards to 17 successful applicants for the Indian Health Program (IHP) RFA, which provides nearly $9 million in funding to support primary care recruitment and retention in Indian health programs. OTA will also release Round 2 of the RFA totaling nearly $3 million. Round 2 applicants will be able to request a maximum of $150,000 to support primary care recruitment and retention efforts. Any remaining funds after Round 2 will carry over to future fiscal years.
These funds were made available in the fiscal year 2022-23 budget, which restored IHP grants. For questions, please email TribalAffairs@dhcs.ca.gov. Join Our Team
DHCS is hiring! DHCS has an immediate opening for a Chief of the Benefits Division. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing policy formulation for benefits covered by the Medi-Cal program.
DHCS is also hiring for our fiscal, human resources, legal, auditing, health policy, and information technology teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.
DHCS is dedicated to preserving and improving the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS’ mission is to provide the most vulnerable residents with equitable access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, and is transforming the Medi-Cal program to make sure it provides the care Californians need to live healthier, happier lives.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars
California Children’s Services (CCS) Monitoring and Oversight Workgroup Meeting
On March 13, from 12 to 4 p.m., DHCS will virtually host the CCS Monitoring and Oversight Workgroup meeting (advance registration required) to develop and implement the CCS Compliance, Monitoring, and Oversight Program, a component of the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative. Agenda topics for discussion at this meeting will include the Grievance Training, Performance Measures, Survey, and Enforcement and Corrective Action Numbered Letters; Memorandum of Understanding development; compliance activities; and the DHCS accountability proposal. Additional information is available on the CCS Compliance, Monitoring, and Oversight Program webpage. In Case You Missed It
DHCS Awarded $60 Million to Counties and Local Groups to Enroll Hard-to-Reach Individuals in Medi-Cal
On March 3, DHCS awarded $59.8 million to 23 county agencies and 12 community-based organizations, covering 44 total counties, to serve as Medi-Cal Health Enrollment Navigators through June 30, 2025. The additional funding is intended to allow partners to focus on helping members retain their Medi-Cal coverage throughout the 14-month Medi-Cal eligibility redetermination period. Medi-Cal Health Enrollment Navigators are also expected to support targeted outreach and enrollment assistance for new Medi-Cal program eligibility and benefit expansions to undocumented individuals and people who may require additional assistance, such as those with limited English proficiency and persons with disabilities.
