Subacute Care Program
About the Subacute Care Program
The Subacute Care Program was established on July 1, 1983, under Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.25, and is monitored by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Subacute Contracting Unit. The Subacute Care Program sets standards for participation for the provision of subacute care to beneficiaries. Contracted facilities may be reimbursed for subacute care services provided to Medi-Cal subacute beneficiaries who meet subacute care criteria as defined in Medi-Cal Manual of Criteria R-15-98E (adult beneficiaries) and Welfare and Institutions Code, section 14132.25 (pediatric beneficiaries). Specific reimbursement rates have been developed for providers of subacute care who have contracted with the DHCS' Subacute Contracting Unit.
What is Subacute Level of Care?
- Adult subacute care is a level of care that is defined as a level of care needed by a patient who does not require hospital acute care but who requires more intensive licensed skilled nursing care than is provided to the majority of patients in a skilled nursing facility.
- Pediatric subacute care is a level of care needed by a person less than 21 years of age who uses a medical technology that compensates for the loss of a vital bodily function.
- Subacute patients require special medical equipment, supplies, and treatments such as ventilators, tracheostomies, total parenteral nutrition, tube feeding and complex wound management care.
Additional Resources
Helpful Links
Contact Information
Subacute Contracting Unit
1501 Capitol Avenue, MS 4504
P.O. Box 997436
Sacramento, CA 95899-7436
Provider Customer Support
