DHCS Stakeholder News – November 4, 2022
Xov xwm tshaj plaws
DHCS COVID-19 Pej Xeem Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv Emergency (PHE) Kev Npaj Ua Haujlwm Tsis Txaus Siab Hloov Kho
Thaum Lub Kaum Hli 27, DHCS tau hloov kho Medi-Cal COVID-19 PHE Kev Npaj Ua Haujlwm Tsis Txaus Siab. Txoj kev npaj kho tshiab no qhia txog ob qhov kev hloov pauv tshiab uas tau pom zoo los ntawm Lub Tsev Haujlwm rau Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pib txij lub Kaum Hli 18 txhawm rau txo qis kev tswj hwm ntawm Medi-Cal cov tswv cuab, cov phiaj xwm tswj hwm (MCPs), thiab cov chaw lis haujlwm hauv nroog hauv nroog thaum hloov kho cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj cov tswv cuab. Cov kev hloov pauv no yuav nyob twj ywm rau hauv 14 lub hlis tom qab COVID-19 PHE xaus, uas yuav yog qhov tseem ceeb thiab muaj txiaj ntsig zoo thaum lub nroog cov txheej txheem Medi-Cal rov txiav txim siab thaum lub sijhawm COVID-19 PHE unwinding. Cov kev hloov pauv tau pom zoo ntxiv yog:
- Koom tes nrog National Change of Address (NCOA) Database thiab United States Postal Service (USPS) In-State Forwarding Address to Update Member Contact Information. DHCS yuav tso cai ib ntus rau kev lees txais cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab hauv lub xeev tus neeg sau npe los ntawm NCOA database thiab USPS nyob rau hauv lub xeev xa chaw nyob yam tsis muaj kev pom zoo ntxiv los ntawm tus neeg. Raws li txoj cai no, California yuav kho cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab hauv xeev tau lees paub thiab tau txais los ntawm NCOA cov ntaub ntawv lossis USPS xa rov qab nrog qhov chaw nyob xa mus raws li kev ntseeg tau, thiab hloov kho cov ntaub ntawv tus tswv cuab nrog cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab yam tsis tau xa daim ntawv ceeb toom rau tus tswv cuab chaw nyob hauv lub xeev.
- Kev koom tes nrog Kev Pabcuam Kev Saib Xyuas Txhua Tus rau Cov Neeg Laus (PACE) Cov Kev Pabcuam Hloov Kho Cov Ntaub Ntawv Sib cuag. Kalifonias yuav tso cai ib ntus tso cai lees txais cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab hauv xeev los ntawm PACE cov koom haum yam tsis muaj kev pom zoo ntxiv los ntawm tus kheej. Raws li txoj cai no, lub xeev yuav kho cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab hauv lub xeev tau lees paub los ntawm thiab tau txais los ntawm PACE cov koom haum cog lus nrog lub xeev Medicaid lub koom haum raws li kev ntseeg tau, thiab hloov kho cov ntaub ntawv tau txais txiaj ntsig nrog cov ntaub ntawv tiv tauj tshiab yam tsis tau xa daim ntawv ceeb toom rau tus neeg txais txiaj ntsig qhov chaw nyob ntawm lub xeev.
CMS Kev Tshaj Tawm ntawm Medi-Cal Cov Khoom Muaj Cai Txwv Hloov Hloov
On November 9, CMS will send an outreach email to all California Medicare beneficiaries with email addresses on file, up to one million individuals, to share information about Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and the impact the change in asset limits California implemented this year has on MSP program eligibility.
This email will inform Medicare beneficiaries that they can obtain financial assistance through MSPs for their Medicare Part B premiums, copayments, and deductibles, and includes information about the July 1, 2022, asset limits change for MSPs which could allow for more individuals to be eligible for MSPs. The email also includes information on Medi-Cal eligibility, income limits for both programs, and pathways to apply for MSPs and Medi-Cal.
MSPs are for individuals with limited income and resources to help pay some or all of their Medicare Part A and B Premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Individuals enrolled in MSPs may also get extra help that pays for Medicare prescription drug costs. Income limits for MSPs are similar to Medi-Cal, and eligibility for MSPs is determined concurrently with Medi-Cal eligibility by county eligibility offices. Currently, approximately 814,000 individuals in California are receiving MSPs.
Kev hloov kho tshiab
Clinic Workforce Stabilization Retention Payments (CWSRP)
DHCS today issued general process guidance to help qualified clinics prepare for the upcoming CWSRP registration and application submission.
Beginning on November 15, 2022, qualified clinics are required to register with DHCS in order to participate in CWSRP. Once registered and approved, qualified clinics will be provided a link to apply for retention payments on behalf of eligible employees starting on December 29. DHCS encourages early submissions so all applications can be validated prior to the final due date. DHCS anticipates issuing payments to qualified clinics in late February 2023, and clinics receiving funding must issue payments to qualified employees within 60 days of receipt of funds.
Txhawm rau tshuaj xyuas cov ntaub ntawv tshiab txog kev sau npe thiab cov txheej txheem xa ntawv thov rau CWSRP, thov mus saib ntawm CWSRP lub vev xaib. Sau npe rau CWSRP cov neeg koom nrog cov lus tshaj tawm kom paub txog cov kev txhim kho tshiab.
Kev nthuav qhia Slides ntawm Children's Health Programs thiab Initiatives
On November 4, DHCS released a comprehensive set of presentation slides to help describe the numerous programs and initiatives that will improve Medi-Cal for California’s children and families. These slides cover significant Medi-Cal efforts including the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative, improvements to Medi-Cal eligibility policy, new physical and behavioral health policies and benefits, and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. This resource will provide stakeholders with greater insight into Medi-Cal’s strategy to support children and youth, and other aligned efforts.
CalAIM Tshooj 1115 Kev Ua Yeeb Yam thiab Tshooj 1915(b) Kev zam
On November 4, DHCS submitted requests to CMS to amend the CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration and Section 1915(b) waiver. DHCS is seeking approvals to implement county-based plan model changes in the Medi-Cal managed care program. Through the Section 1915(b) waiver amendment, DHCS also plans to add or update language on policies or programs included in the approved waiver, including to reflect proposed direct contracts with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan to enroll certain Medi-Cal beneficiaries in select counties.
DHCS hosted 30-day public comment and Tribal public comment periods to solicit feedback on the proposed amendments. Additional information about the CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration application and the Section 1915(b) overview is available on the CalAIM 1115 Demonstration & 1915(b) Waiver webpage.
Nyiaj pab txhawb Yurok Tribe Regional Wellness Center
Thaum Lub Kaum Ib Hlis 1, DHCS tso tawm rau Yurok Tribe $ 15 lab los pab tsim lub Chaw Pabcuam Hauv Cheeb Tsam. Ib-lub sij hawm General Funds tau suav nrog hauv Senate Bill 154 (Tshooj 43, Txoj Cai ntawm 2022) los txhawb kev tsim lub Regional Wellness Center, uas yuav yog Tribal-specific center for drug, alcohol, and mental health services. Qhov no txhawb nqa DHCS Lub Hom Phiaj Zoo Tshaj Plaws ntawm kev tshem tawm qhov tsis sib xws ntawm kev noj qab haus huv los ntawm kev pab xyuas kom cov Neeg Qhab Asmeskas muaj kev nkag mus rau cov kev pabcuam kev noj qab haus huv uas tsim nyog, suav nrog cov kev pabcuam siv yeeb tshuaj, kev kho mob hauv tsev, tsev nyob hloov pauv, thiab kev saib xyuas tom qab.
Koom nrog peb pab neeg
DHCS is hiring! On December 20 and 21, DHCS is hosting a virtual hiring event to recruit Associate Governmental Program Analysts and Staff Services Analysts. Candidates must complete an exam and submit applications by November 14 to be considered. For more information, please email Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov, or visit DHCS’ Facebook page.
For other opportunities to join our fiscal, human resources, legal, auditing, health policy, and information technology teams, along with other professions, visit the CalCareers website.
DHCS is dedicated to preserving and improving the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS’ mission is to provide the most vulnerable residents with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality, and equitable health care, and is currently transforming the Medi-Cal program to make sure it provides the care Californians need to live healthier, happier lives.
Cov Rooj Sib Tham Cov Neeg Koom Tes thiab Webinar yuav los tom ntej
CalAIM Enhanced Care Management (ECM) thiab Community Supports Data Sharing Webinar
On November 10, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., DHCS will virtually host an all-comers webinar on how CalAIM organizations are sharing data for ECM and Community Supports (advance registration required). Participants may submit questions to CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov by November 7, and attendees will be able to ask questions during the webinar. An additional “Office Hours” event will be held on December 1, from 2 to 3 p.m., for attendees to ask additional questions which were not covered during the webinar. For information about upcoming webinars and links to previous sessions, please see DHCS’ Technical Assistance Events.
Behavioral Health Stakeholder Advisory Committee (BH-SAC) Special Webinar to Solicit Feedback on Medicaid Seev 1115 Daim Ntawv Qhia
On November 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., DHCS will virtually host a special public stakeholder meeting (join webinar at scheduled time) to solicit stakeholder feedback for an upcoming concept paper on DHCS’ intent to apply for a new Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration. This demonstration will expand access to and strengthen the continuum of community-based mental health services for Medi-Cal members living with serious emotional disturbance or mental illness. It will also amplify California’s ongoing behavioral health initiatives, and be informed by findings from DHCS’ 2022 Assessing the Continuum of Care for Behavioral Health Services in California. Meeting materials for the November 15 meeting will be posted to the BH-SAC webpage as they become available. Questions about the BH-SAC may be directed to BehavioralHealthSAC@dhcs.ca.gov.
Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program (HACCP) Webinar for Families
On November 15, DHCS will hold two sessions for the next quarterly HACCP Webinar for Families: 10 to 10:50 a.m. and 6 to 6:50 p.m. The purpose of this webinar is to provide information about HACCP’s eligibility criteria, enrollment process, and covered benefits to interested families, as well as those with children already enrolled in HACCP. Additional program information is available on DHCS’ HACCP webpage. Webinar details are available on HACCP’s Resources for Families webpage.
Lub Rooj Sib Hais Rau Pej Xeem Sib Tham Txog Medi-Cal Cov Cai Nkag Nkag Nkag thiab Cov Txheej Txheem rau Doulas
On November 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., DHCS will virtually host a public stakeholder meeting (advance registration required) to discuss the regulatory provider bulletin entitled, “Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements and Procedures for Doulas.” The bulletin was created to implement the reporting requirements and procedures of doula providers to enroll in the Medi-Cal fee-for-service program. Stakeholders may submit questions and suggestions during the hearing; written comments will be accepted on the day of the hearing until 5 pm. Based on the public comments received, DHCS will publish the final bulletin on the Medi-Cal and DHCS websites. The changes will become effective 30 days after publication.
CalAIM Cov Sijhawm Ua Haujlwm: Q&A rau Cov Nroog Tshiab Siv ECM thiab Kev Txhawb Zej Zog
On November 17, from 2 to 3 p.m., DHCS will virtually host an “Office Hours” discussion (advance registration required) for counties newly implementing ECM and Community Supports. Participants may submit questions by November 14 to CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov, and attendees may ask questions during the session.
Smile, California Kev Sib Tw rau Medi-Cal Dental Services
Thaum Lub Kaum Ib Hlis 17 thiab 21, Smile, California yuav tuav ob qhov kev nthuav qhia Facebook Live rau Medi-Cal cov tswv cuab, ib qho ua lus Askiv thiab ib qho ua lus Mev. Lus Askiv Lub nkoj tab tom xa khoom mus rau qhov chaw nres nkoj Spanish, thiab kev cia siab yuav tuaj txog muaj Lub Ob Hlis 17, 17:30. Smile, California cov tswvcuab nthuav tawm cov neeg sawv cev yuav muab Smile, Koj cov txiaj ntsig Medi-Cal suav nrog Kev Kho Hniav! kev nthuav qhia thiab:
- Sib tham txog Medi-Cal Dental Program.
- Qhia rau cov neeg saib txog cov kev pab kho hniav uas muaj rau cov tswv cuab ntawm txhua lub hnub nyoog.
- Teb cov lus nug txog Medi-Cal nyiaj pab kho hniav.
Lub Chaw Saib Xyuas Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv Nyiaj Txiag Kev Hloov Kho Webinar
Thaum Lub Kaum Ib Hlis 18, txij thaum 2 txog 3 teev tsaus ntuj, DHCS yuav tuav lub rooj sib tham nrog cov neeg koom nrog virtual los tham txog Txoj Haujlwm Pabcuam Ua Haujlwm thiab Kev Pabcuam Zoo (WQIP) tau tso cai los ntawm Assembly Bill 186 (Tshooj 46, Txoj Cai ntawm 2022). Lub rooj sib tham no yuav txuas ntxiv kev sib tham ntawm WQIP qhov kev tsim qauv uas tau nthuav tawm yav dhau los ntawm lub Kaum Hli 25 lub rooj sib tham virtual cov neeg koom nrog, nthuav tawm cov kev hloov pauv uas tau hais tseg, thiab muab sijhawm ntxiv rau cov neeg koom nrog tawm tswv yim. Cov ntaub ntawv hais txog yuav ua li cas koom nrog lub Kaum Ib Hlis 18 lub vev xaib yuav raug tshaj tawm rau ntawm Lub Tsev Haujlwm Saib Xyuas Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv Nyiaj Txiag Reform AB 186 lub vev xaib ze dua rau hnub lub rooj sib tham.
CalAIM Kev Ntsuam Xyuas Thaum Ntxov thiab Txhua Lub Sijhawm, Diagnostic, thiab Treatment Services (EPSDT) Enrollee-Facing Materials Webinar
On November 18, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., DHCS will host a webinar focused on the EPSDT Outreach & Education Toolkit’s enrollee-facing materials (advance registration required). The federal and state requirement for children’s services, known as EPSDT, gives children and youth under age 21 access to preventive and medically necessary treatment services. DHCS is developing materials through an EPSDT Outreach & Education Toolkit to promote understanding of and access to EPSDT covered services.
Proposed materials include: two enrollee-facing brochures (a child version and a teen/young adult version), a “Know Your Medi-Cal Rights” letter, and a rebranding of the EPSDT name. The brochures provide an overview of EPSDT, including covered services, how to access those services, and the importance of preventive care. The “Know Your Medi-Cal Rights” letter provides information on what to do if Medi-Cal care is denied, reduced, or stopped. The draft materials will be posted on the DHCS CalAIM News & Updates webpage before webinar. All interested members, providers, plans, counties, health systems, advocates, and other stakeholders are invited to attend.
Dementia Care Aware Webinar Series - Plaub Webinar
On November 18, from 12 to 1 p.m., Dementia Care Aware will virtually host The Cognitive Health Assessment via Video or Phone (advance registration required) webinar. Jennifer Schlesinger, Vice President of Healthcare Services & Community Education at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, and Elena Tsoy, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor at UCSF, will speak about ways to conduct cognitive health assessments via phone or video. Participants of the live webinar are eligible to receive 1 Continuing Medical Education (CME) and California Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) credit. Additional information is available on the Dementia Care Aware Initiative website. Providers are also encouraged to take the cognitive health assessment training (1.5 CME/CAMFT credit).