Preguntas frecuentes del Comité Asesor de Afiliados a Medi-Cal (MMAC)
Acerca del Department of Health Care Services
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the backbone of California’s health care safety net, helping millions of Californians every day. Medi-Cal serves more than 14 million Californians. About one-third of Californians receive health care services administered by DHCS, making the Department the largest health care system in California. Our success is made possible only through collaboration with the federal government, other state agencies, counties, plans, providers, and community partners as we invest more than $200 billion annually for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
¿Qué es el MMAC?
The MMAC was founded in 2023 by the Director of the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). The MMAC is a safe space for Medi-Cal members, as well as family members and caregivers of Medi-Cal members, to share their experiences and offer feedback directly to the Director and DHCS leadership team. We want Medi-Cal to truly meet the needs of the people who rely on it every day. And we believe the people who use Medi-Cal should have a meaningful voice in making it better. Members can tell us what’s working, what isn’t, and what they hope to see change. Your lived experience matters, and your voice belongs in this conversation. By sharing what you know and what you’ve experienced, you can help shape real changes that make Medi-Cal better for you, your family, and communities across California.
¿De qué hablamos durante las reuniones del MMAC?
The MMAC discusses and shares feedback on topics related to Medi-Cal policies and programs, such as:
- Incorporaciones y cambios en los servicios cubiertos
- Coordinación de la atención
- Calidad de los servicios
- Procesos de elegibilidad, inscripción y renovación
- Comunicaciones entre el inscrito y el proveedor
- Competencia cultural, acceso lingüístico, equidad en salud y disparidades y prejuicios en el Program Medicaid
- Acceso a los servicios
- Other issues that impact members’ experiences and outcomes.
¿Qué hace DHCS con los comentarios de los afiliados a MMAC?
DHCS works closely with both the MMAC and the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council to get feedback on important issues that affect Medi-Cal members. Here is how the process works:
- Usted comparte
Durante las reuniones de MMAC, los miembros comparten sus comentarios directamente con DHCS. - Unimos Voces
Luego de cada reunión, los comentarios del MMAC se comparten con el Consejo de Voces y Visión de Medi-Cal. - Creamos recomendaciones
DHCS reúne los comentarios tanto del MMAC como del Consejo de Voces y Visión para crear una lista de recomendaciones. - Revisión y votación de los miembros
Los miembros del MMAC y del Consejo de Voces y Visión revisan las recomendaciones y votan sobre si apruebas. - Hacemos un seguimiento de lo que sucede
Las recomendaciones aprobadas se agregan a un rastreador público, donde DHCS proporciona actualizaciones sobre su estado.
¿Quiénes son los miembros del Consejo Voices y Vision?
El Consejo de Voces y Visión está integrado por miembros Medi-Cal , Health Plan Medi-Cal , proveedores de Medi-Cal , organizaciones comunitarias y socios estatales/condales que trabajan codo con codo con los miembros Medi-Cal .
How does the MMAC make a difference in the Medi-Cal program?
MMAC members offer valuable insights to help improve the Medi-Cal program, ensuring it better meets the needs of members. You will have the opportunity to share your lived experience and perspective navigating the Medi-Cal system.
¿Cuántas personas forman parte del MMAC?
The MMAC consists of no less than 10 and no more than 20 members at any given time.
When and how often does the MMAC meet?
- Meetings are held virtually four times a year, lasting around two hours.
- Meetings take place in the evening, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to accommodate members’ schedules.
- In addition to these quarterly meetings, additional optional meetings may be held for technical support, debriefs, or preparation.
- Ocasionalmente, se pide a los miembros que proporcionen comentarios y respuestas por email entre reuniones.
- If in-person meetings are held in the future, DHCS will cover costs for travel and lodging.
- MMAC members will always have the option to join meetings virtually.
Do you offer any accommodations for MMAC members?
Yes. Interpretation/translation, ADA accessibility, technology support, and other types of support and accommodations are available to ensure full participation.
Does DHCS compensate MMAC Members for their time?
Yes. DHCS offers a stipend of $200 for participation at each quarterly meeting.
In addition to financial compensation MMAC members can receive other benefits from participation, including:
- A letter of recommendation or reference (e.g. employment)
- Oportunidades de desarrollo profesional en el sistema sanitario
- Experiencia que se pueda agregar a tu currículum
- La oportunidad de influir de manera significativa en el Program Medi-Cal para mejorar la salud de su comunidad.
Is the personal information of MMAC members kept confidential?
Yes. DHCS always keeps MMAC members’ personal information confidential. We do not share MMAC members’ names, contact information, or health-related information publicly.
How do I complete an application?
If you or someone you know would like to participate, please complete the online MMAC application. Upon request, DHCS can offer a paper application, provide it in a language other than English, or assist with translation services by phone.
For questions or help with the application, please email MMAC@dhcs.ca.gov.
What happens after I submit my application?
DHCS will review applications to ensure selected members represent the diversity of Medi-Cal members across the state. If selected for an interview, you will be notified by email or phone.
When can I submit my application?
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time. Your application will be kept on file for three years for future consideration.