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State agencies describe waivers, plan requirements and emergency flexibilities to preserve Medi-Cal and insurer access after wildfires
Summary
The Department of Health Care Services and the Department of Managed Health Care told the Assembly committee they activated federal 1135 waivers, issued plan guidance and required health-plan notices to protect Medi‑Cal members and private-plan enrollees after the Southern California wildfires.
State health agencies told the Assembly Health Committee what they did to maintain access to care during the January wildfires: secured federal Medicaid (1135) flexibilities, required health plans to ease prescription and network restrictions, and coordinated with managed-care plans to support displaced members.
What DHCS did Michelle BOSS, Director of the Department of Health Care Services, testified that DHCS requested and received 36 separate federal CMS 1135 waivers to maintain continuity of care for Medi‑Cal members. The waivers and administrative actions included extended timelines for appeals and redeterminations, temporary authorization for services in alternate settings (mobile clinics, shelters,…
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