text:
(a) (1) The department shall establish the manner and format for emergency medical transport providers to report the data required pursuant to this section.

(2) The department may establish an Internet Web site for the submission of reports required by this section.

(3) The department may require a certification by each emergency medical transport provider under penalty of perjury of the truth of the reports required under this section. Upon written notice to an emergency medical transport provider, the department may impose a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) per day against an emergency medical transport provider for every day that an emergency medical transport provider fails to make a report required by this section within five days of the date upon which the report was due. Any funds resulting from a penalty imposed pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited in the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund created pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 14129.2.

(b) Each emergency medical transport provider shall report to the department data on the number of actual emergency medical transports by payer type, including, without limitation, Medi-Cal fee-for-service emergency medical transports and Medi-Cal managed care emergency medical transports per quarter, as follows:

(1) For each quarter beginning on July 1, 2015, through the quarter beginning on July 1, 2017, inclusive, the data shall be submitted on or before October 15, 2017.

(2) For the quarter beginning on October 1, 2017, and continuing each quarter thereafter, the data shall be submitted on or before the 45th day after the last day of the applicable quarter.

(c) Each emergency medical transport provider shall report to the department data on the gross receipts received from the provision of emergency medical transports per state fiscal year, as follows:

(1) For the state fiscal years beginning on July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016, the data shall be submitted on or before October 15, 2017.

(2) For each state fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2017, and continuing each state fiscal year thereafter, the data shall be submitted on or before the 45th day after the last day of the applicable state fiscal year.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 773, Sec. 2. (SB 523) Effective October 13, 2017. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed in Section 14129.7. Repealed conditionally as provided in Section 14129.7.)

article: 3.91. Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transportation Reimbursement Act


kind: section

code: WIC

text:
(a) (1) Commencing with the state fiscal quarter beginning on July 1, 2018, and continuing each state fiscal quarter thereafter for which this article is implemented, there shall be imposed a quality assurance fee for each emergency medical transport provided by each emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee in accordance with this section.

(2) The director shall ensure that the quality assurance fee per emergency medical transport imposed pursuant to this article is collected.

(b) (1) On or before June 15, 2018, and continuing each June 15 thereafter for which this article is implemented, the director shall calculate the annual quality assurance fee rate applicable to the following state fiscal year based on the most recently collected data from emergency medical transport providers pursuant to Section 14129.1. The director may correct any identified material or significant errors in the data collected from emergency medical transport providers pursuant to Section 14129.1 for the purposes of calculating the annual quality assurance fee rate. The director’s determination whether to exercise the director’s discretion to correct any data pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to judicial review, except that an emergency medical transport provider may bring a writ of mandate under Section 1085 of the Code of Civil Procedure to rectify an abuse of discretion by the director in correcting that emergency medical transport provider’s data when that correction results in a greater fee amount for that provider pursuant to this section.

(A) For the state fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2018, the annual quality assurance fee rate shall be calculated by multiplying the projected total annual gross receipts for all emergency medical transport providers subject to the fee by 5.1 percent, which resulting product shall be divided by the projected total annual emergency medical transports by all emergency medical transport providers subject to the fee for the state fiscal year.

(B) For state fiscal years beginning July 1, 2019, and continuing each state fiscal year thereafter, the annual quality assurance fee rate shall be calculated by a ratio, the numerator of which shall be the sum of: (i) the product of the projected aggregate fee schedule amount and the effective state medical assistance percentage and (ii) the amount described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) for the state fiscal year, and the denominator of which shall be 90 percent of the projected total annual emergency medical transports by all emergency medical transport providers subject to the fee for the state fiscal year.

(2) On or before June 15, 2018, and continuing each June 15 thereafter for which this article is implemented, the director shall publish the annual quality assurance fee rate on its internet website.

(3) In no case shall the fees calculated pursuant to this subdivision and collected pursuant to this article exceed the amounts allowable under federal law. If, on or before June 15 of each year, the director makes a determination that the fees collected pursuant to this subdivision exceed the amounts allowable under federal law, the director may reduce the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 only to the extent necessary to reflect the amount of fees allowable under federal law in an applicable state fiscal year.

(4) If, during a state fiscal year for which this article is operative, the actual or projected available fee amount exceeds or is less than the actual or projected aggregate fee schedule amount by more than 1 percent, the director shall adjust the annual quality assurance fee rate so that the available fee amount for the state fiscal year will approximately equal the aggregate fee schedule amount for the state fiscal year. The available fee amount for a state fiscal year shall be considered to equal the aggregate fee schedule amount for the state fiscal year if the difference between the available fee amount for the state fiscal year and the aggregate fee schedule amount for the state fiscal year constitutes less than 1 percent of the aggregate fee schedule amount for the state fiscal year.

(c) (1) Each emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee shall remit to the department an amount equal to the annual quality assurance fee rate for the 2018–19 state fiscal year multiplied by the number of transports reported or that should have been reported by the emergency medical transport provider pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 14129.1 in the quarter beginning on April 1, 2018, based on a schedule established by the director. The schedule established by the director for the fee payment described in this paragraph shall require remittance of the fee payment according to the following guidelines:

(A) The director shall require an emergency medical transport provider that rendered 35,000 or more Medi-Cal fee-for-service emergency medical transports during the 2016–17 state fiscal year to remit the fee payment described in this paragraph on or after July 1, 2018.

(B) The director shall require an emergency medical transport provider that rendered fewer than 35,000 Medi-Cal fee-for-service emergency medical transports during the 2016–17 state fiscal year to remit 50 percent or less of the fee payment described in this paragraph on or after August 1, 2018.

(C) The director shall require an emergency medical transport provider that rendered fewer than 35,000 Medi-Cal fee-for-service emergency medical transports during the 2016–17 state fiscal year to remit any remaining fee payment amount described in this paragraph on or after August 15, 2018.

(2) Commencing with the state fiscal quarter beginning on October 1, 2018, and continuing each state fiscal quarter thereafter, on or before the first day of each state fiscal quarter, each emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee shall remit to the department an amount equal to the annual quality assurance fee rate for the applicable state fiscal year multiplied by the number of transports reported or that should have been reported by the emergency medical transport provider pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 14129.1 in the immediately preceding quarter.

(d) (1) Interest shall be assessed on quality assurance fees not paid on the date due at the greater of 10 percent per annum or the rate at which the department assesses interest on Medi-Cal program overpayments pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 14171. Interest shall begin to accrue the day after the date the payment was due and shall be deposited in the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund established in subdivision (f).

(2) In the event that any fee payment is more than 60 days overdue, the department may deduct the unpaid fee and interest owed from any Medi-Cal reimbursement payments owed to the emergency medical transport provider until the full amount of the fee, interest, and any penalties assessed under this article are recovered. Any deduction made pursuant to this subdivision shall be made only after the department gives the emergency medical transport provider written notification. Any deduction made pursuant to this subdivision may be deducted over a period of time that takes into account the financial condition of the emergency medical transport provider.

(3) In the event that any fee payment is more than 60 days overdue, a penalty equal to the interest charge described in paragraph (1) shall be assessed and due for each month for which the payment is not received after 60 days. Any funds resulting from a penalty imposed pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited into the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund created pursuant to subdivision (f).

(4) The director may waive a portion or all of either the interest or penalties, or both, assessed under this article in the event the director determines, in the director’s sole discretion, that the emergency medical transport provider has demonstrated that imposition of the full amount of the quality assurance fee pursuant to the timelines applicable under this article has a high likelihood of creating an undue financial hardship for the provider. Waiver of some or all of the interest or penalties pursuant to this paragraph shall be conditioned on the emergency medical transport provider’s agreement to make fee payments on an alternative schedule developed by the department.

(e) The department shall accept an emergency medical transport provider’s payment even if the payment is submitted in a rate year subsequent to the rate year in which the fee was assessed.

(f) (1) The director shall deposit the quality assurance fees collected pursuant to this section in the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund, which is hereby created in the State Treasury and, notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, is continuously appropriated without regard to fiscal years to the department for the purposes specified in this article. Notwithstanding Section 16305.7 of the Government Code, the fund shall also include interest and dividends earned on moneys in the fund.

(2) The moneys in the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund, including any interest and dividends earned on money in the fund, shall be available exclusively to enhance federal financial participation for ambulance services under the Medi-Cal program and to provide additional reimbursement to, and to support quality improvement efforts of, emergency medical transport providers, and to pay for the state’s administrative costs and to provide funding for health care coverage for Californians, in the following order of priority:

(A) To pay for the department’s staffing and administrative costs directly attributable to implementing this article, not to exceed the following amounts:

(i) For the 2018–19 state fiscal year, one million three thousand dollars ($1,003,000), exclusive of any federal matching funds.

(ii) For the 2019–20 state fiscal year and each state fiscal year thereafter, three hundred seventy-four thousand dollars ($374,000), exclusive of any federal matching funds.

(B) To pay for the health care coverage in each applicable state fiscal year in the amount of 10 percent of the annual quality assurance fee collection amount, exclusive of any federal matching funds.

(C) To make increased payments to emergency medical transport providers pursuant to this article.

(g) In the event of a merger, acquisition, or similar transaction involving an emergency medical transport provider that has outstanding quality assurance fee payment obligations pursuant to this article, including any interest and penalty amounts owed, the resultant or successor emergency medical transport provider shall be responsible for paying to the department the full amount of outstanding quality assurance fee payments, including any applicable interest and penalties, attributable to the emergency medical transport provider for which it was assessed, upon the effective date of the transaction. An entity considering a merger, acquisition, or similar transaction involving an emergency medical transport provider may submit a request pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code to ascertain the outstanding quality assurance fee payment obligations of the emergency medical transport provider pursuant to this article as of the date of the department’s response to that request.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 454. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed in Section 14129.7. Repealed conditionally as provided in Section 14129.7.)

division: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

chapter: 7. Basic Health Care

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 7. Basic Health Care > 3.91. Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transportation Reimbursement Act


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (i) of Section 14105.945, commencing July 1, 2018, and for each state fiscal year thereafter for which this article is operative, reimbursement to emergency medical transport providers for emergency medical transports shall be increased by application of an add-on to the associated Medi-Cal fee-for-service payment schedule. The add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule under this section shall be calculated on or before June 15, 2018, and shall remain the same for later state fiscal years for which this article is operative, to the extent the department determines federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized. The add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule under this section shall apply only to those billing codes identified in, or any equivalent, predecessor, or successor billing codes as may be determined by the director pursuant to, subdivision (g) of Section 14129. The department shall calculate the projections required by this subdivision based on the data submitted pursuant to Section 14129.1. The fee-for-service add-on shall be equal to the quotient of the available fee amount projected by the department on or before June 15, 2018, for the 2018–19 state fiscal year, divided by the total Medi-Cal emergency medical transports, including both fee-for-service transports paid by the department and managed care transports paid by Medi-Cal managed care health plans, utilizing these billing codes projected by the department on or before June 15, 2018, for the 2018–19 state fiscal year. The resulting fee-for-service payment schedule amounts after the application of this section shall be equal to the sum of the Medi-Cal fee-for-service payment schedule amount for the 2015–16 state fiscal year and the add-on increase.

(b) (1) Each applicable Medi-Cal managed care health plan shall satisfy its obligation under Section 438.114(c) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations for emergency medical transports and shall provide payment to noncontract emergency medical transport providers consistent with Section 1396u-2(b)(2)(D) of Title 42 of the United States Code. Effective July 1, 2018, and for each state fiscal year thereafter for which this article is operative, the amounts a noncontract emergency medical transport provider could collect if the beneficiary received medical assistance other than through enrollment in a Medi-Cal managed care health plan pursuant to Section 1396u-2(b)(2)(D) of Title 42 of the United States Code shall be the resulting fee-for-service payment schedule amounts after the application of this section.

(2) This subdivision shall not apply to an eligible provider, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 14105.945, who provides noncontract emergency medical transports to an enrollee of a Medi-Cal managed care plan during any Medi-Cal managed care rating period that Section 14105.945 is implemented.

(c) The increased payments required by this section shall be funded solely from the following:

(1) The quality assurance fee set forth in Section 14129.2, along with any interest or other investment income earned on those funds.

(2) Federal reimbursement and any other related federal funds.

(d) The proceeds of the quality assurance fee set forth in Section 14129.2, the matching amount provided by the federal government, and any interest earned on those proceeds shall be used to supplement existing funding for emergency medical transports provided by emergency medical transport providers and not to supplant this funding.

(e) Notwithstanding this article, the department may seek federal approval to implement any add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to this section for any state fiscal year or years, as applicable, on a time-limited basis for a fixed program period, as determined by the department.

(f) Notwithstanding this article, the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to this section shall only be required and payable for state fiscal years that a quality assurance fee payment obligation exists for emergency medical transport providers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 544, Sec. 4. (AB 1705) Effective January 1, 2020. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed in Section 14129.7. Repealed conditionally as provided in Section 14129.7.)


text:
If there is a delay in the implementation of this article for any reason, including a delay in any required approval of the quality assurance fee and reimbursement methodology specified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, both of the following shall apply:

(a) An emergency medical transport provider subject to the fee may be assessed the amount the provider would be required to pay to the department if the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 were already approved, but shall not be required to pay the fee until the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in Section 14129.3 is approved. The director shall establish a schedule for payment of retroactive fees pursuant to this subdivision in consultation with emergency medical transport providers to minimize the disruption to the cashflow of emergency medical transport providers.

(b) The department may retroactively implement the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to Section 14129.3 to the extent the department determines that federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.


text: Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this article, in whole or in part, by means of provider bulletins, plan letters, or other similar instructions, without taking regulatory action. The department shall provide notification to the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature within 10 business days after the above-described action is taken. The department shall make use of appropriate processes to ensure that affected stakeholders are timely informed of, and have access to, applicable guidance issued pursuant to this authority, and that this guidance remains publicly available so long as this article remains operative.


text:
(a) (1) The department shall request any approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services it deems necessary for the use of fees pursuant to this article and for the purpose of receiving associated federal matching funds.

(2) In making that request, the department may seek, as it deems necessary, a request for waiver of the broad-based requirement, waiver of the uniformity requirement, or both, pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 433.68 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or a request for waiver of any other provisions of federal law or regulation necessary to implement this article.

(3) This article shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained and federal financial participation is available and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(b) The director may modify or make adjustments to any methodology, fee amount, or other provision specified in this article to the extent necessary to meet the requirements of federal law or regulations or to obtain federal approval. If the director, after consulting with affected emergency medical transport providers, determines that a modification is needed, the director shall execute a declaration stating that this determination has been made and that the actual or projected available fee amount for a state fiscal year remains approximately equal to the actual or projected aggregate fee schedule amount for each applicable state fiscal year, as defined by paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 14129.2. The director shall retain the declaration and provide a copy, within five working days of the execution of the declaration, to the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

(c) The director may add categories of exempt emergency medical transport providers or apply a nonuniform fee per transport to emergency medical transport providers that are subject to the fee in order to meet requirements of federal law or regulations. The director may exempt categories of emergency medical transport providers from the fee if necessary to obtain federal approval.

(d) If, before June 1 preceding the start of an applicable state fiscal year, the director finds that the implementation of this article is likely no longer a benefit to the General Fund for the applicable state fiscal year, the director may decide to not implement this article for that state fiscal year. The director shall notify the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, and emergency medical transport providers individually and via the department’s Internet Web site of its finding pursuant to this subdivision.


text:
(a) This article shall be implemented only if, as long as, and to the extent that, all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not determine that the quality assurance fee revenues may not be used for the purposes set forth in this article.

(2) The department obtains any necessary federal approvals for the collection of the quality assurance fee pursuant to this article and the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in subdivision (a) of Section 14129.3.

(3) The state continues its maintenance of effort for the level of state funding not derived from the quality assurance fee of emergency medical transports reimbursement for the 2018–19 rate year, and for each applicable rate year thereafter, in an amount not less than the amount that the state would have paid for the same number of emergency medical transports under the rate methodology that was in effect on July 31, 2016.

(4) Federal financial participation is available, and is not otherwise jeopardized.

(b) This article shall cease to be operative on the first day of the state fiscal year beginning on or after the date one or more of the following conditions is satisfied:

(1) The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer allows the collection or use of the emergency medical transport provider assessment provided in this article.

(2) The increase to the Medi-Cal payments described in Section 14129.3 no longer remains in effect.

(3) The quality assurance fee assessed and collected pursuant to this article is no longer available for the purposes specified in this article.

(4) The director determines that a change in federal law or federal Medicaid policy results or is likely to result in a reduction of associated federal financial participation for the Medi-Cal program such that the director determines the continued implementation of this article is no longer a benefit to the General Fund.

(5) A final judicial determination is made by the California Supreme Court or any California Court of Appeal that the revenues collected pursuant to this article that are deposited in the Medi-Cal Emergency Medical Transport Fund are either of the following:

(A) “General Fund proceeds of taxes appropriated pursuant to Article XIII B,” as used in subdivision (b) of Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution.

(B) “Allocated local proceeds of taxes,” as used in subdivision (b) of Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution.

(6) A final judicial determination made by any state or federal court that is not appealed, or by a court of appellate jurisdiction that is not further appealed, in any action by any party, or a final determination by the administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that is not appealed, that federal financial participation is not available with respect to any payment made under the methodology implemented pursuant to this article.

(7) The state does not continue its maintenance of effort for the level of state funding of emergency medical transports reimbursement for the 2018–19 state fiscal year, or for any subsequent state fiscal year, in an amount not less than the amount that the state would have paid for the same number of emergency medical transports under the rate methodology in effect on July 31, 2016.

(c) In the event one or more of the conditions listed in subdivision (b) is satisfied, the director shall notify, in writing and as soon as practicable, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, the Legislative Counsel, and the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature of the condition and the approximate date or dates that it occurred. The director shall post the notice on the department’s Internet Web site.

(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, in the event this article becomes inoperative pursuant to subdivision (b), the department shall be authorized to conduct all appropriate close-out activities and implement applicable provisions of this article for prior state fiscal years during which this article was operative including, but not limited to, the collection of outstanding quality assurance fees pursuant to Section 14129.2 and payments associated with any add-on increase to the Medi-Cal fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to Section 14129.3. In implementing these close-out activities, the department shall ensure that the actual or projected available fee amount for each applicable state fiscal year remains approximately equal to the aggregate fee schedule amount for the state fiscal year, as defined by paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 14129.2. During this close-out period, the full amount of the quality assurance fee assessed and collected remains available only for the purposes specified in this article.

(2) Upon a determination by the department that all appropriate close-out and implementation activities pursuant to paragraph (1) have been completed, the director shall notify, in writing, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, the Legislative Counsel, and the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature of that determination. This article shall be repealed as of the effective date of the notification issued by the director pursuant to this paragraph.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 773, Sec. 2. (SB 523) Effective October 13, 2017. Repealed conditionally by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Article 3.91, commencing with Section 14129.)


text: The Medi-Cal Benefits Program comprises a department-administered uniform schedule of health care benefits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, “health care services” shall be limited to the benefits set forth in this article and in Section 14021.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1005.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program

path: 9. PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES > 7. Basic Health Care > 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200), optional hearing aid benefits are subject to per beneficiary benefit cap amounts under the Medi-Cal program.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “benefit cap amount” means the maximum amount of Medi-Cal coverage for optional hearing aid benefits as specified in subdivision (c), for each beneficiary, for each fiscal year.

(c) (1) If the voters approve the addition of Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 14199.100) to this part at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, hearing aid benefits are subject to a benefit cap amount of one thousand five hundred ten dollars ($1,510).

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the voters do not approve the addition of Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 14199.100) to this part at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, hearing aid benefits are subject to a benefit cap amount of no less than one thousand five hundred ten dollars ($1,510). Under that circumstance, the benefit cap amount shall be set by the department and may be adjusted annually, any revisions to the benefit cap shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 14124.162 and 14124.163.

(d) Pregnancy-related benefits and benefits for the treatment of other conditions that might complicate the pregnancy are not subject to the benefit cap amount in subdivision (c).

(e) The benefit cap amount in subdivision (c) does not apply to the following:

(1) Beneficiaries under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program.

(2) Beneficiaries receiving long-term care in a nursing facility that is both of the following:

(A) A skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility as defined in subdivisions (c), (d), (e), (g), and (h), respectively, of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, and facilities providing continuous skilled nursing care to developmentally disabled individuals pursuant to the program established by Section 14132.20.

(B) A licensed nursing facility pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

(f) For managed care health plans that contract with the department pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200), except for contracts with the Senior Care Action Network and AIDS Healthcare Foundation, payments for optional hearing aid benefits shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent amount of the benefit reductions resulting from the implementation of the benefit cap amount specified in this section pursuant to contract amendments or change orders effective on July 1, 2011, or any date thereafter.

(g) This section shall be implemented only to the extent permitted by federal law.

(h) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement the provisions of this section by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking further regulatory action.

(i) This section shall be implemented on the first day of the first calendar month following 210 days after the effective date of this section, or on the first day of the first calendar month following 60 days after the date the department secures all necessary federal approvals to implement this section, whichever is later. If the implementation date occurs after July 1, 2011, then the benefit cap described in subdivision (c) for the first year of implementation shall be applied from the implementation date through June 30 of the state fiscal year in which implementation commences. Thereafter, the benefit cap shall apply on a state fiscal year basis.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 40, Sec. 64. (SB 159) Effective June 29, 2024.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) Notwithstanding this chapter, Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200), or Chapter 8.75 (commencing with Section 14591), in order to implement changes in the level of funding for health care services, specific optional benefits are excluded from coverage under the Medi-Cal program.

(b) (1) The following optional benefits are excluded from coverage under the Medi-Cal program:

(A) Adult dental services, except as specified in paragraph (2).

(i) This exclusion shall be in effect only through December 31, 2017, and adult dental services shall be covered under the Medi-Cal program as of January 1, 2018, or the effective date of any necessary federal approvals, whichever is later.

(ii) The restoration of adult dental services pursuant to clause (i) shall be effective only to the extent any necessary federal approvals are obtained as required by subdivision (f).

(B) Audiology services and speech therapy services.

(C) Chiropractic services.

(D) Optometric and optician services, including services provided by a fabricating optical laboratory, except as provided in subdivision (g).

(E) Podiatric services.

(F) Incontinence creams and washes.

(2) (A) Medical and surgical services provided by a doctor of dental medicine or dental surgery, which, if provided by a physician, would be considered physician services, and which services may be provided by either a physician or a dentist in this state, are covered.

(B) Emergency procedures are also covered in the categories of service specified in subparagraph (A). The director may adopt regulations for any of the services specified in subparagraph (A).

(C) Effective May 1, 2014, or the effective date of any necessary federal approvals as required by subdivision (f), whichever is later, for persons 21 years of age or older, adult dental benefits, subject to utilization controls, are limited to all the following medically necessary services:

(i) Examinations, radiographs/photographic images, prophylaxis, and fluoride treatments.

(ii) Amalgam and composite restorations.

(iii) Stainless steel, resin, and resin window crowns.

(iv) Anterior root canal therapy.

(v) Complete dentures, including immediate dentures.

(vi) Complete denture adjustments, repairs, and relines.

(D) Services specified in this paragraph shall be included as a covered medical benefit under the Medi-Cal program pursuant to Section 14132.89.

(3) Pregnancy-related services and services for the treatment of other conditions that might complicate the pregnancy are not excluded from coverage under this section.

(c) The optional benefit exclusions do not apply to either of the following:

(1) Beneficiaries under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program.

(2) Beneficiaries receiving long-term care in a nursing facility that is both:

(A) A skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility as defined in subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

(B) Licensed pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

(d) This section shall only be implemented to the extent permitted by federal law.

(e) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement the provisions of this section by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking further regulatory action.

(f) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(g) (1) Effective no sooner than January 1, 2020, or January 1 of the subsequent calendar year following the legislative action pursuant to paragraph (2), whichever is later, and subject to paragraph (2) and subdivision (f), optometric and optician services, including services provided by a fabricating optical laboratory, shall be covered benefits under the Medi-Cal program.

(2) The restoration of optometric and optician services pursuant to this subdivision is contingent upon the Legislature including funding for these services in the state budget process.

(h) Effective no sooner than January 1, 2020, all of the following optional benefits shall be covered benefits under the Medi-Cal program:

(1) Audiology services and speech therapy services.

(2) Podiatric services.

(3) Incontinence creams and washes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 143, Sec. 386. (AB 133) Effective July 27, 2021. Operative July 1, 2016, by Stats. 2016, Ch. 30, Sec. 36.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200), any increase in the amount charged to the Medi-Cal program for patient care or treatment that is directly related to an identifiable provider-preventable condition is excluded from reimbursement under Medi-Cal, in accordance with criteria set forth in federal and state law and the state’s Medi-Cal State Plan, except when the provider-preventable condition existed prior to the initiation of treatment for that patient by that provider.

(b) The exclusion from reimbursement specified in subdivision (a) applies to the amounts charged for the care and treatment of individuals eligible under the Medi-Cal program, both in fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems, including individuals dually eligible for both the Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, individuals eligible under the California Children’s Services Program, and individuals eligible under the Genetically Handicapped Persons Program.

(c) Exclusion from reimbursement under Medi-Cal pursuant to this section for increased amounts charged to Medi-Cal related to a provider-preventable condition shall be limited to the extent the identified provider-preventable condition would otherwise result in an increase in payment and the state can reasonably isolate for nonpayment the portion of the payment directly related to treatment for, and related to, the provider-preventable condition.

(d) For health care-acquired conditions, the department may limit application of the exclusion from reimbursement as appropriate for specific populations, including, but not limited to, the pediatric population, after consultation with the federal government and stakeholders.

(e) For health care-acquired conditions, the exclusion of reimbursement is initially limited to only those services provided by inpatient hospitals. For other provider-preventable conditions, the exclusion from reimbursement applies to health care services provided by any provider. This subdivision shall not limit the department from excluding from reimbursement those services provided in additional care settings as determined by the department. The department shall notify and consult with appropriate stakeholders prior to implementing, interpreting, or making specific this subdivision.

(f) Medi-Cal providers, in both fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems, shall report the occurrence of any provider-preventable condition in any individual identified in subdivision (b) that did not exist prior to initiation of treatment by that provider. The report shall be made to the department as specified by the department, regardless of whether or not the provider seeks Medi-Cal reimbursement for services to treat the provider-preventable condition.

(g) If a provider in either a fee-for-service or managed care delivery system receives a Medi-Cal payment or reimbursement for any increase in costs for patient care or treatment directly related to an identifiable provider-preventable condition that was not present when the individual initiated treatment with that provider, the provider shall reimburse those costs to the department or plan.

(h) For purposes of this section, “provider-preventable condition,” “health care-acquired condition,” and “other provider-preventable condition” are defined as set forth in Section 447.26(b) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(i) A provider is prohibited from pursuing payment or reimbursement from a beneficiary for any increased amounts directly related to treatment for, and related to, the provider-preventable condition.

(j) (1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking regulatory action, until the time regulations are adopted. Prior to issuing any letter, bulletin, or similar instruction authorized pursuant to this section, the department shall notify and consult with stakeholders, including advocates, providers, and beneficiaries. The department shall notify the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature of its intent to issue instructions under this section at least five days in advance of the issuance. It is the intent of the Legislature that the department be provided temporary authority as necessary to implement program changes until completion of the regulatory process, which shall further address and take into account the input of stakeholders.

(2) The department shall adopt emergency regulations pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code no later than January 1, 2017. The department may readopt any emergency regulation authorized by this section that is the same as or substantially equivalent to an emergency regulation previously adopted under this section. The initial adoption of emergency regulations and one readoption of emergency regulations implementing this section shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare.

(3) Initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law. The initial emergency regulations and the one readoption of emergency regulations shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and each shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days, by which time final regulations may be adopted.

(k) The department shall seek any necessary federal approvals for the implementation of this section.

(l) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is not jeopardized.

(m) This section shall be implemented in accordance with the methodology set forth in the state plan in effect on July 1, 2012, and subsequently in accordance with any future methodologies approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 31, Sec. 50. (SB 857) Effective June 20, 2014.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) In geographic areas in which Medi-Cal managed care plans contracting under this chapter or Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 14200) are operating with capacity to enroll additional qualifying Medi-Cal beneficiaries, the director may, in the interest of bringing managed care principles to bear on the quality, costs, or utilization levels of the Medi-Cal program, designate any benefit or service included in the Medi-Cal program, at state option under federal medicaid rules, as a covered Medi-Cal benefit only when provided by a Medi-Cal managed care plan to a Medi-Cal enrollee of the plan.

(b) Where benefits and services have been designated by the director under subdivision (a), beneficiaries who are eligible to enroll in and reside in the service area of a managed care plan, and who desire coverage for such benefits and services, must enroll in a Medi-Cal managed care plan to receive them and shall, to the maximum extent permitted under federal law, remain enrolled in the plan.

(c) When managed care capacity is reached in an area in which Medi-Cal benefits have been designated under this section, the director may provide for the delivery of designated benefits or services to beneficiaries by contract to the extent permitted under this chapter, on a fee-for-service basis or a combination of both.

(d) Exercise of the director’s discretion under this section shall not preclude Medi-Cal managed care contractors from applying their established medical necessity criteria, utilization control standards and policies and utilization review procedures in delivering designated services as permitted and controlled by Medi-Cal contract and other state and federal regulatory standards.

(e) Enactment of this section shall not impose any requirement on a Medi-Cal managed care plan to negotiate or enter into a contract or any other participation arrangement with any provider of a Medi-Cal benefit or service designated under subdivision (a).

(f) The department shall seek all federal waivers necessary to allow for federal financial participation in expenditures under this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 722, Sec. 120. Effective September 15, 1992.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
The following is the schedule of benefits under this chapter:

(a) Outpatient services are covered as follows:

Physician, hospital or clinic outpatient, surgical center, respiratory care, optometric, chiropractic, psychology, podiatric, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, audiology, acupuncture to the extent federal matching funds are provided for acupuncture, and services of persons rendering treatment by prayer or healing by spiritual means in the practice of any church or religious denomination insofar as these can be encompassed by federal participation under an approved plan, subject to utilization controls.

(b) (1) Inpatient hospital services, including, but not limited to, physician and podiatric services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, are covered subject to utilization controls.

(2) For a Medi-Cal fee-for-service beneficiary, emergency services and care that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition and medical care directly related to the emergency medical condition. This paragraph does not change the obligation of Medi-Cal managed care plans to provide emergency services and care. For the purposes of this paragraph, “emergency services and care” and “emergency medical condition” have the same meanings as those terms are defined in Section 1317.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) Nursing facility services, subacute care services, and services provided by any category of intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled, including podiatry, physician, nurse practitioner services, and prescribed drugs, as described in subdivision (d), are covered subject to utilization controls. Respiratory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology services for patients in nursing facilities and any category of intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities are covered subject to utilization controls.

(d) (1) Purchase of prescribed drugs is covered subject to the Medi-Cal List of Contract Drugs and utilization controls.

(2) Purchase of drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction or any off-label uses of those drugs are covered only to the extent that federal financial participation is available.

(3) (A) To the extent required by federal law, the purchase of outpatient prescribed drugs, for which the prescription is executed by a prescriber in written, nonelectronic form on or after April 1, 2008, is covered only when executed on a tamper resistant prescription form. The implementation of this paragraph shall conform to the guidance issued by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but shall not conflict with state statutes on the characteristics of tamper resistant prescriptions for controlled substances, including Section 11162.1 of the Health and Safety Code. The department shall provide providers and beneficiaries with as much flexibility in implementing these rules as allowed by the federal government. The department shall notify and consult with appropriate stakeholders in implementing, interpreting, or making specific this paragraph.

(B) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may take the actions specified in subparagraph (A) by means of a provider bulletin or notice, policy letter, or other similar instructions without taking regulatory action.

(4) (A) (i) For the purposes of this paragraph, nonlegend has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 14105.45.

(ii) Nonlegend acetaminophen-containing products, including children’s acetaminophen-containing products, selected by the department are covered benefits.

(iii) Nonlegend cough and cold products selected by the department are covered benefits.

(B) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may take the actions specified in subparagraph (A) by means of a provider bulletin or notice, policy letter, or other similar instruction without taking regulatory action.

(e) Outpatient dialysis services and home hemodialysis services, including physician services, medical supplies, drugs, and equipment required for dialysis, are covered, subject to utilization controls.

(f) Anesthesiologist services when provided as part of an outpatient medical procedure, nurse anesthetist services when rendered in an inpatient or outpatient setting under conditions set forth by the director, outpatient laboratory services, and x-ray services are covered, subject to utilization controls. This subdivision does not require prior authorization for anesthesiologist services provided as part of an outpatient medical procedure or for portable x-ray services in a nursing facility or any category of intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled.

(g) Blood and blood derivatives are covered.

(h) (1) Emergency and essential diagnostic and restorative dental services, except for orthodontic, fixed bridgework, and partial dentures that are not necessary for balance of a complete artificial denture, are covered, subject to utilization controls. The utilization controls shall allow emergency and essential diagnostic and restorative dental services and prostheses that are necessary to prevent a significant disability or to replace previously furnished prostheses that are lost or destroyed due to circumstances beyond the beneficiary’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the director may by regulation provide for certain fixed artificial dentures necessary for obtaining employment or for medical conditions that preclude the use of removable dental prostheses, and for orthodontic services in cleft palate deformities administered by the department’s California Children’s Services program.

(2) For persons 21 years of age or older, the services specified in paragraph (1) shall be provided subject to the following conditions:

(A) Periodontal treatment is not a benefit.

(B) Endodontic therapy is not a benefit except for vital pulpotomy.

(C) Laboratory processed crowns are not a benefit.

(D) Removable prosthetics shall be a benefit only for patients as a requirement for employment.

(E) The director may, by regulation, provide for the provision of fixed artificial dentures that are necessary for medical conditions that preclude the use of removable dental prostheses.

(F) Notwithstanding the conditions specified in subparagraphs (A) to (E), inclusive, the department may approve services for persons with special medical disorders subject to utilization review.

(3) Paragraph (2) shall become inoperative on July 1, 1995.

(i) Medical transportation is covered, subject to utilization controls.

(j) Home health care services are covered, subject to utilization controls.

(k) (1) Prosthetic and orthotic devices and eyeglasses are covered, subject to utilization controls. Utilization controls shall allow replacement of prosthetic and orthotic devices and eyeglasses necessary because of loss or destruction due to circumstances beyond the beneficiary’s control. Frame styles for eyeglasses replaced pursuant to this subdivision shall not change more than once every two years, unless the department so directs.

(2) Orthopedic and conventional shoes are covered when provided by a prosthetic and orthotic supplier on the prescription of a physician and when at least one of the shoes will be attached to a prosthesis or brace, subject to utilization controls. Modification of stock conventional or orthopedic shoes when medically indicated is covered, subject to utilization controls. If there is a clearly established medical need that cannot be satisfied by the modification of stock conventional or orthopedic shoes, custom-made orthopedic shoes are covered, subject to utilization controls.

(3) Therapeutic shoes and inserts are covered when provided to a beneficiary with a diagnosis of diabetes, subject to utilization controls, to the extent that federal financial participation is available.

(l) Hearing aids are covered, subject to utilization controls. Utilization controls shall allow replacement of hearing aids necessary because of loss or destruction due to circumstances beyond the beneficiary’s control.

(m) Durable medical equipment and medical supplies are covered, subject to utilization controls. The utilization controls shall allow the replacement of durable medical equipment and medical supplies when necessary because of loss or destruction due to circumstances beyond the beneficiary’s control. The utilization controls shall allow authorization of durable medical equipment needed to assist a disabled beneficiary in caring for a child for whom the disabled beneficiary is a parent, stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian, subject to the availability of federal financial participation. The department shall adopt emergency regulations to define and establish criteria for assistive durable medical equipment in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(n) Family planning services are covered, subject to utilization controls. However, for Medi-Cal managed care plans, utilization controls shall be subject to Section 1367.25 of the Health and Safety Code.

(o) Inpatient intensive rehabilitation hospital services, including respiratory rehabilitation services, in a general acute care hospital are covered, subject to utilization controls, when either of the following criteria are met:

(1) A patient with a permanent disability or severe impairment requires an inpatient intensive rehabilitation hospital program as described in Section 14064 to develop function beyond the limited amount that would occur in the normal course of recovery.

(2) A patient with a chronic or progressive disease requires an inpatient intensive rehabilitation hospital program as described in Section 14064 to maintain the patient’s present functional level as long as possible.

(p) (1) Adult day health care is covered in accordance with Chapter 8.7 (commencing with Section 14520).

(2) Commencing 30 days after the effective date of the act that added this paragraph, and notwithstanding the number of days previously approved through a treatment authorization request, adult day health care is covered for a maximum of three days per week.

(3) As provided in accordance with paragraph (4), adult day health care is covered for a maximum of five days per week.

(4) As of the date that the director makes the declaration described in subdivision (g) of Section 14525.1, paragraph (2) shall become inoperative and paragraph (3) shall become operative.

(q) (1) Application of fluoride, or other appropriate fluoride treatment as defined by the department, and other prophylaxis treatment for children 17 years of age and under are covered.

(2) All dental hygiene services provided by a registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in extended functions, and registered dental hygienist in alternative practice licensed pursuant to Sections 1753, 1917, 1918, and 1922 of the Business and Professions Code may be covered as long as they are within the scope of Denti-Cal benefits and they are necessary services provided by a registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in extended functions, or registered dental hygienist in alternative practice.

(r) (1) Paramedic services performed by a city, county, or special district, or pursuant to a contract with a city, county, or special district, and pursuant to a program established under former Article 3 (commencing with Section 1480) of Chapter 2.5 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code by a paramedic certified pursuant to that article, and consisting of defibrillation and those services specified in subdivision (3) of former Section 1482 of the article.

(2) A provider enrolled under this subdivision shall satisfy all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for becoming a Medi-Cal provider.

(3) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent funding is available under Section 14106.6.

(s) (1) In-home medical care services are covered when medically appropriate and subject to utilization controls, for a beneficiary who would otherwise require care for an extended period of time in an acute care hospital at a cost higher than in-home medical care services. The director shall have the authority under this section to contract with organizations qualified to provide in-home medical care services to those persons. These services may be provided to a patient placed in a shared or congregate living arrangement, if a home setting is not medically appropriate or available to the beneficiary.

(2) As used in this subdivision, “in-home medical care service” includes utility bills directly attributable to continuous, 24-hour operation of life-sustaining medical equipment, to the extent that federal financial participation is available.

(3) As used in this subdivision, in-home medical care services include, but are not limited to:

(A) Level-of-care and cost-of-care evaluations.

(B) Expenses, directly attributable to home care activities, for materials.

(C) Physician fees for home visits.

(D) Expenses directly attributable to home care activities for shelter and modification to shelter.

(E) Expenses directly attributable to additional costs of special diets, including tube feeding.

(F) Medically related personal services.

(G) Home nursing education.

(H) Emergency maintenance repair.

(I) Home health agency personnel benefits that permit coverage of care during periods when regular personnel are on vacation or using sick leave.

(J) All services needed to maintain antiseptic conditions at stoma or shunt sites on the body.

(K) Emergency and nonemergency medical transportation.

(L) Medical supplies.

(M) Medical equipment, including, but not limited to, scales, gurneys, and equipment racks suitable for paralyzed patients.

(N) Utility use directly attributable to the requirements of home care activities that are in addition to normal utility use.

(O) Special drugs and medications.

(P) Home health agency supervision of visiting staff that is medically necessary, but not included in the home health agency rate.

(Q) Therapy services.

(R) Household appliances and household utensil costs directly attributable to home care activities.

(S) Modification of medical equipment for home use.

(T) Training and orientation for use of life-support systems, including, but not limited to, support of respiratory functions.

(U) Respiratory care practitioner services as defined in Sections 3702 and 3703 of the Business and Professions Code, subject to prescription by a physician and surgeon.

(4) A beneficiary receiving in-home medical care services is entitled to the full range of services within the Medi-Cal scope of benefits as defined by this section, subject to medical necessity and applicable utilization control. Services provided pursuant to this subdivision, which are not otherwise included in the Medi-Cal schedule of benefits, shall be available only to the extent that federal financial participation for these services is available in accordance with a home- and community-based services waiver.

(t) Home- and community-based services approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services are covered to the extent that federal financial participation is available for those services under the state plan or waivers granted in accordance with Section 1315 or 1396n of Title 42 of the United States Code. The director may seek waivers for any or all home- and community-based services approvable under Section 1315 or 1396n of Title 42 of the United States Code. Coverage for those services shall be limited by the terms, conditions, and duration of the federal waivers.

(u) Comprehensive perinatal services, as provided through an agreement with a health care provider designated in Section 14134.5 and meeting the standards developed by the department pursuant to Section 14134.5, subject to utilization controls.

The department shall seek any federal waivers necessary to implement the provisions of this subdivision. The provisions for which appropriate federal waivers cannot be obtained shall not be implemented. Provisions for which waivers are obtained or for which waivers are not required shall be implemented notwithstanding any inability to obtain federal waivers for the other provisions. No provision of this subdivision shall be implemented unless matching funds from Subchapter XIX (commencing with Section 1396) of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code are available.

(v) Early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment for any individual under 21 years of age is covered, consistent with the requirements of Subchapter XIX (commencing with Section 1396) of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(w) (1) Hospice services are covered, in accordance with Medicare requirements, and are subject to utilization controls. Coverage shall be available only to the extent that no additional net program costs are incurred.

(2) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized, and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(3) Notwithstanding any other law, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, may implement, interpret, or make specific this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions.

(x) When a claim for treatment provided to a beneficiary includes both services that are authorized and reimbursable under this chapter and services that are not reimbursable under this chapter, that portion of the claim for the treatment and services authorized and reimbursable under this chapter shall be payable.

(y) Home- and community-based services approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for a beneficiary with a diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex, who requires intermediate care or a higher level of care.

Services provided pursuant to a waiver obtained from the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to this subdivision, and that are not otherwise included in the Medi-Cal schedule of benefits, shall be available only to the extent that federal financial participation for these services is available in accordance with the waiver, and subject to the terms, conditions, and duration of the waiver. These services shall be provided to a beneficiary in accordance with the client’s needs as identified in the plan of care, and subject to medical necessity and applicable utilization control.

The director may, under this section, contract with organizations qualified to provide, directly or by subcontract, services provided for in this subdivision to an eligible beneficiary. Contracts or agreements entered into pursuant to this division shall not be subject to the Public Contract Code.

(z) Respiratory care when provided in organized health care systems as defined in Section 3701 of the Business and Professions Code, and as an in-home medical service as outlined in subdivision (s).

(aa) (1) There is hereby established in the department a program to provide comprehensive clinical family planning services to any person who has a family income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, as revised annually, and who is eligible to receive these services pursuant to the waiver identified in paragraph (2). This program shall be known as the Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (Family PACT) Program.

(2) The department shall seek a waiver in accordance with Section 1315 of Title 42 of the United States Code, or a state plan amendment adopted in accordance with Section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXI) of Title 42 of the United States Code, which was added to Section 1396a of Title 42 of the United States Code by Section 2303(a)(2) of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (Public Law 111-148), for a program to provide comprehensive clinical family planning services as described in paragraph (8). Under the waiver, the program shall be operated only in accordance with the waiver and the statutes and regulations in paragraph (4) and subject to the terms, conditions, and duration of the waiver. Under the state plan amendment, which shall replace the waiver and shall be known as the Family PACT successor state plan amendment, the program shall be operated only in accordance with this subdivision and the statutes and regulations in paragraph (4). The state shall use the standards and processes imposed by the state on January 1, 2007, including the application of an eligibility discount factor to the extent required by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for purposes of determining eligibility as permitted under Section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXI) of Title 42 of the United States Code. To the extent that federal financial participation is available, the program shall continue to conduct education, outreach, enrollment, service delivery, and evaluation services as specified under the waiver. The services shall be provided under the program only if the waiver and, when applicable, the successor state plan amendment are approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and only to the extent that federal financial participation is available for the services. This section does not prohibit the department from seeking the Family PACT successor state plan amendment during the operation of the waiver.

(3) Solely for the purposes of the waiver or Family PACT successor state plan amendment and notwithstanding any other law, the collection and use of an individual’s social security number shall be necessary only to the extent required by federal law.

(4) Sections 14105.3 to 14105.39, inclusive, 14107.11, 24005, and 24013, and any regulations adopted under these statutes shall apply to the program provided for under this subdivision. No other law under the Medi-Cal program or the State-Only Family Planning Program shall apply to the program provided for under this subdivision.

(5) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, without taking regulatory action, the provisions of the waiver after its approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the provisions of this section by means of an all-county letter or similar instruction to providers. Thereafter, the department shall adopt regulations to implement this section and the approved waiver in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Beginning six months after the effective date of the act adding this subdivision, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis until regulations have been adopted.

(6) If the Department of Finance determines that the program operated under the authority of the waiver described in paragraph (2) or the Family PACT successor state plan amendment is no longer cost effective, this subdivision shall become inoperative on the first day of the first month following the issuance of a 30-day notification of that determination in writing by the Department of Finance to the chairperson in each house that considers appropriations, the chairpersons of the committees, and the appropriate subcommittees in each house that considers the State Budget, and the Chairperson of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

(7) If this subdivision ceases to be operative, all persons who have received or are eligible to receive comprehensive clinical family planning services pursuant to the waiver described in paragraph (2) shall receive family planning services under the Medi-Cal program pursuant to subdivision (n) if they are otherwise eligible for Medi-Cal with no spend down of excess income, or shall receive comprehensive clinical family planning services under the program established in Division 24 (commencing with Section 24000) either if they are eligible for Medi-Cal with a spend down of excess income or if they are otherwise eligible under Section 24003.

(8) For purposes of this subdivision, “comprehensive clinical family planning services” means the process of establishing objectives for the number and spacing of children, and selecting the means by which those objectives may be achieved. These means include a broad range of acceptable and effective methods and services to limit or enhance fertility, including contraceptive methods, federal Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and supplies, natural family planning, abstinence methods, and basic, limited fertility management. Comprehensive clinical family planning services include, but are not limited to, preconception counseling, maternal and fetal health counseling, general reproductive health care, including diagnosis and treatment of infections and conditions, including cancer, that threaten reproductive capability, medical family planning treatment and procedures, including supplies and followup, and informational, counseling, and educational services. Comprehensive clinical family planning services shall not include abortion, pregnancy testing solely for the purposes of referral for abortion or services ancillary to abortions, or pregnancy care that is not incident to the diagnosis of pregnancy. Comprehensive clinical family planning services shall be subject to utilization control and include all of the following:

(A) Family planning related services and male and female sterilization. Family planning services for men and women shall include emergency services and services for complications directly related to the contraceptive method, federal Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and supplies, and followup, consultation, and referral services, as indicated, which may require treatment authorization requests.

(B) All United States Department of Agriculture, federal Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and supplies that are in keeping with current standards of practice and from which the individual may choose.

(C) Culturally and linguistically appropriate health education and counseling services, including informed consent, that include all of the following:

(i) Psychosocial and medical aspects of contraception.

(ii) Sexuality.

(iii) Fertility.

(iv) Pregnancy.

(v) Parenthood.

(vi) Infertility.

(vii) Reproductive health care.

(viii) Preconception and nutrition counseling.

(ix) Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infection.

(x) Use of contraceptive methods, federal Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and supplies.

(xi) Possible contraceptive consequences and followup.

(xii) Interpersonal communication and negotiation of relationships to assist individuals and couples in effective contraceptive method use and planning families.

(D) A comprehensive health history, updated at the next periodic visit (between 11 and 24 months after initial examination) that includes a complete obstetrical history, gynecological history, contraceptive history, personal medical history, health risk factors, and family health history, including genetic or hereditary conditions.

(E) A complete physical examination on initial and subsequent periodic visits.

(F) Services, drugs, devices, and supplies deemed by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be appropriate for inclusion in the program.

(G) (i) Home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases, including any laboratory costs of processing the kit, that are deemed medically necessary or appropriate and ordered directly by an enrolled Medi-Cal or Family PACT clinician or furnished through a standing order for patient use based on clinical guidelines and individual patient health needs.

(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, “home test kit” means a product used for a test recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines or the United States Preventive Services Task Force that has been CLIA-waived, FDA-cleared or -approved, or developed by a laboratory in accordance with established regulations and quality standards, to allow individuals to self-collect specimens for STDs, including HIV, remotely at a location outside of a clinical setting.

(iii) Reimbursement under this subparagraph shall be contingent upon the addition of codes specific to home test kits in the Current Procedural Terminology or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements. The home test kit shall be sent by the enrolled Family PACT provider to a Medi-Cal-enrolled laboratory with fee based on Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests Payment System Final Rule.

(9) In order to maximize the availability of federal financial participation under this subdivision, the director shall have the discretion to implement the Family PACT successor state plan amendment retroactively to July 1, 2010.

(ab) (1) Purchase of prescribed enteral nutrition products is covered, subject to the Medi-Cal list of enteral nutrition products and utilization controls.

(2) Purchase of enteral nutrition products is limited to those products to be administered through a feeding tube, including, but not limited to, a gastric, nasogastric, or jejunostomy tube. A beneficiary under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program shall be exempt from this paragraph.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the department may deem an enteral nutrition product, not administered through a feeding tube, including, but not limited to, a gastric, nasogastric, or jejunostomy tube, a benefit for patients with diagnoses, including, but not limited to, malabsorption and inborn errors of metabolism, if the product has been shown to be neither investigational nor experimental when used as part of a therapeutic regimen to prevent serious disability or death.

(4) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement the amendments to this subdivision made by the act that added this paragraph by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking regulatory action.

(5) The amendments made to this subdivision by the act that added this paragraph shall be implemented June 1, 2011, or on the first day of the first calendar month following 60 days after the date the department secures all necessary federal approvals to implement this section, whichever is later.

(ac) Diabetic testing supplies are covered when provided by a pharmacy, subject to utilization controls.

(ad) (1) Nonmedical transportation is covered, subject to utilization controls and permissible time and distance standards, for a beneficiary to obtain covered Medi-Cal services.

(2) (A) (i) Nonmedical transportation includes, at a minimum, round trip transportation for a beneficiary to obtain covered Medi-Cal services by passenger car, taxicab, or any other form of public or private conveyance, and mileage reimbursement when conveyance is in a private vehicle arranged by the beneficiary and not through a transportation broker, bus passes, taxi vouchers, or train tickets.

(ii) Nonmedical transportation does not include the transportation of a sick, injured, invalid, convalescent, infirm, or otherwise incapacitated beneficiary by ambulance, litter van, or wheelchair van licensed, operated, and equipped in accordance with state and local statutes, ordinances, or regulations.

(B) Nonmedical transportation shall be provided for a beneficiary who can attest in a manner to be specified by the department that other currently available resources have been reasonably exhausted. For a beneficiary enrolled in a managed care plan, nonmedical transportation shall be provided by the beneficiary’s managed care plan. For a Medi-Cal fee-for-service beneficiary, the department shall provide nonmedical transportation when those services are not available to the beneficiary under Sections 14132.44 and 14132.47.

(3) Nonmedical transportation shall be provided in a form and manner that is accessible, in terms of physical and geographic accessibility, for the beneficiary and consistent with applicable state and federal disability rights laws.

(4) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this subdivision to affirm the requirement under Section 431.53 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, in which the department is required to provide necessary transportation, including nonmedical transportation, for recipients to and from covered services. This subdivision shall not be interpreted to add a new benefit to the Medi-Cal program.

(5) The department shall seek any federal approvals that may be required to implement this subdivision, including, but not limited to, approval of revisions to the existing state plan that the department determines are necessary to implement this subdivision.

(6) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(7) Prior to the effective date of any necessary federal approvals, nonmedical transportation was not a Medi-Cal managed care benefit with the exception of when provided as an Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment service.

(8) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time regulations are adopted. By July 1, 2018, the department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Commencing January 1, 2018, and notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, until regulations have been adopted.

(9) This subdivision shall not be implemented until July 1, 2017.

(ae) (1) No sooner than January 1, 2022, Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing, including individual sequencing, trio sequencing for a parent or parents and their baby, and ultra-rapid sequencing, is a covered benefit for any Medi-Cal beneficiary who is one year of age or younger and is receiving inpatient hospital services in an intensive care unit.

(2) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, shall implement, interpret, or make specific this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time regulations are adopted.

(3) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained, and federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized.

(af) (1) Home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases that are deemed medically necessary or appropriate and ordered directly by an enrolled Medi-Cal clinician or furnished through a standing order for patient use based on clinical guidelines and individual patient health needs.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “home test kit” means a product used for a test recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines or the United States Preventive Services Task Force that has been CLIA-waived, FDA-cleared or -approved, or developed by a laboratory in accordance with established regulations and quality standards, to allow individuals to self-collect specimens for STDs, including HIV, remotely at a location outside of a clinical setting.

(3) Reimbursement under this subparagraph shall be contingent upon the addition of codes specific to home test kits in the Current Procedural Terminology or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements. The home test kit shall be sent by the enrolled Medi-Cal provider to a Medi-Cal-enrolled laboratory with fee based on Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests Payment System Final Rule.

(4) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized, and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

(5) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the State Department of Health Care Services may implement this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions, without taking any further regulatory action.

(ag) (1) Violence prevention services are covered, subject to medical necessity and utilization controls.

(2) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department, without taking any further regulatory action, may implement, interpret, or make specific this subdivision by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time regulations are adopted.

(3) This subdivision shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained, and federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized.

(4) The department shall post on its internet website the date upon which violence prevention services may be provided and billed pursuant to this subdivision.

(5) “Violence prevention services” means evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive preventive services provided to reduce the incidence of violent injury or reinjury, trauma, and related harms and promote trauma recovery, stabilization, and improved health outcomes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 21, Sec. 101. (AB 116) Effective June 30, 2025.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a community clinic or free clinic licensed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1204 of the Health and Safety Code or an intermittent clinic operating pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1206 of the Health and Safety Code, that has a valid license pursuant to Article 13 (commencing with Section 4180) of Chapter 9 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code shall bill and be reimbursed, as described in this section, for drugs and supplies covered under the Medi-Cal program and Family PACT Waiver Program.

(b) (1) A clinic described in subdivision (a) shall bill the Medi-Cal program and Family PACT Waiver Program for drugs and supplies covered under those programs at the lesser of cost or the clinic’s usual charge made to the general public.

(2) For purposes of this section, “cost” means an aggregate amount equivalent to the sum of the actual acquisition cost of a drug or supply plus a clinic dispensing fee not to exceed twelve dollars ($12) per billing unit as identified in either the Family PACT Policies, Procedures, and Billing Instructions Manual, or the Medi-Cal Inpatient/Outpatient Provider Manual governing outpatient clinic billing for drugs and supplies, as applicable. For purposes of this section, “cost” for a take-home drug that is dispensed for use by the patient within a specific timeframe of five or less days from the date medically indicated means actual acquisition cost for that drug plus a clinic dispensing fee, not to exceed seventeen dollars ($17) per prescription. Reimbursement shall be at the lesser of the amount billed or the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate, and shall not exceed the net cost of these drugs or supplies when provided by retail pharmacies under the Medi-Cal program.

(c) A clinic described in subdivision (a) that furnishes services free of charge, or at a nominal charge, as defined in subsection (a) of Section 413.13 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or that can demonstrate to the department, upon request, that it serves primarily low-income patients, and its customary practice is to charge patients on the basis of their ability to pay, shall not be subject to reimbursement reductions based on its usual charge to the general public.

(d) Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that are clinics as described in subdivision (a) may bill and be reimbursed as described in this section, upon electing to be reimbursed for pharmaceutical goods and services on a fee-for-service basis, as permitted by subdivision (k) of Section 14132.100.

(e) A clinic that otherwise meets the qualifications set forth in subdivision (a), that is eligible to, but that has elected not to, utilize drugs purchased under the 340B Discount Drug Program for its Medi-Cal patients, shall provide notification to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs that it is utilizing non-340B drugs for its Medi-Cal patients in the manner and to the extent required by federal law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 503, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text: As used in this chapter “surgical center” means a surgical clinic that is licensed under Section 1203 of the Health and Safety Code. Pursuant to Section 14105, the director shall establish the rates of payment for services provided by surgical centers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 328, Sec. 36. Effective June 30, 1982.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) The department shall seek approval from the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide individuals made eligible pursuant to Section 14005.60 with the alternative benefit package option authorized by Section 1396u-7(b)(1)(D) of Title 42 of the United States Code. Effective January 1, 2014, the alternative benefit package shall provide the same schedule of benefits provided to full-scope Medi-Cal beneficiaries qualifying under the modified adjusted gross income standard pursuant to Section 1396a(e)(14) of Title 42 of the United States Code, except coverage of long-term services and supports shall be excluded unless otherwise required by Section 1396u-7(a)(2) of Title 42 of the United States Code or made available pursuant to subdivision (b). The alternative benefit package shall also include any benefits otherwise required by Section 1396u-7 of Title 42 of the United States Code and any regulations or guidance issued pursuant to that section.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 14005.64, and only to the extent federal approval is obtained, the department shall provide coverage for long-term services and supports to only those individuals who meet the asset requirements imposed under the Medi-Cal program for receipt of the services.

(c) For purposes of this section, long-term services and supports include nursing facility services, a level of care in any institution equivalent to nursing facility services, home- and community-based services furnished under the state plan or a waiver under Section 1315 or 1396n of Title 42 of the United States Code, home health services as described in Section 1396d(a)(7) of Title 42 of the United States Code, and personal care services described in Section 1396d(a)(24) of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(d) The department may seek approval of any necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement this section.

(e) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, plan letters, plan or provider bulletins, or similar instructions until the time any necessary regulations are adopted. The department shall adopt regulations by July 1, 2017, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Beginning six months after the effective date of this section, and notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, until regulations have been adopted.

(f) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2013, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 4, Sec. 28) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 442, Sec. 13. (SB 28) Effective January 1, 2014.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text:
(a) The following shall be covered Medi-Cal benefits effective January 1, 2014:

(1) Mental health services included in the essential health benefits package adopted by the state pursuant to Section 1367.005 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 10112.27 of the Insurance Code and approved by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under Section 18022 of Title 42 of the United States Code. To the extent behavioral health treatment services are considered mental health services pursuant to the essential health benefits package, these services shall only be provided to individuals who receive services through federally approved waivers or state plan amendments pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disability Services Act, at Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500).

(2) Substance use disorder services included in the essential health benefits package adopted by the state pursuant to Section 1367.005 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 10112.27 of the Insurance Code and approved by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under Section 18022 of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(b) The department may seek approval of any necessary state plan amendments to implement this section.

(c) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available and any necessary federal approvals have been obtained.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 4, Sec. 29. (SB 1 1x) Effective September 30, 2013.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text: In addition to any other criteria as provided in subdivision (p) of Section 14132, no reimbursement shall be made pursuant to this chapter for any service in a general acute care hospital for which a special permit or a supplemental service approval is required pursuant to Section 1256.1 of the Health and Safety Code unless that general acute care hospital has first obtained a special permit or a supplemental service approval from the State Department of Health Services.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 421, Sec. 2.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text: Nurse-midwifery services provided by a certified nurse-midwife shall be covered under the provisions of this chapter, to the extent required by federal law, subject to utilization controls.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 327, Sec. 229. Effective June 30, 1982.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program


text: The department shall provide the fiscal and appropriate policy committees of the Legislature with a copy of their submittal to the federal Health Care Financing Administration pertaining to any evaluation completed regarding the Family PACT federal waiver required by subdivision (aa) of Section 14132.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 93, Sec. 90. Effective July 7, 2000.)

article: 4. The Medi-Cal Benefits Program