Important Update Regarding Managed Care Advisory Group and New Opportunities
As part of our efforts to improve stakeholder engagement, DHCS has dissolved the Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG) to create a new stakeholder engagement committee, the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). To meet federal requirements under Title 42 Section 431.12, the Voices and Vision Council will serve as California's MAC. This decision reflects our goal to streamline stakeholder input while ensuring that we continue to hear diverse perspectives. This pivot has also allowed DHCS to make adjustments to comply with the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services (CMS-2442-F) (Access Final Rule) which was published April 22, 2024. This final rule establishes the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) to service in an advisory capacity to State Medicaid agencies on matters related to policy development, and effective administration of the Medicaid program. For more information, please visit the Medi-Cal-Voices-and-Vision-Council webpage.
Please rest assured that DHCS remains committed to maintaining regular communication with our stakeholders. We will keep current communication channels open to provide early input on implementation and other important updates.
Managed Care Advisory Group
The purpose of the MCAG was to facilitate active communication between the Managed Care program and all interested parties and stakeholders.
The MCAG met quarterly to discuss a wide array of matters. Managed Care staff provided program updates and stakeholders were able to express concerns and ask questions about issues that affected Managed Care beneficiaries.
Membership generally consisted of stakeholders and advocates, legislative staff, health plan representatives, medical associations, and providers.
Notification Provided to the Legislature
Consistent with the three-year period for which it was established, on June 30, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will end the Mobile Vision Pilot Program in Los Angeles County implemented through Health Net and LA Care Medi-Cal managed care health plans. Mobile Vision was a pilot program established in Senate Bill (SB) 870 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 40, Statutes of 2014) to provide vision services at school sites through mobile vision service providers. By posting this notice of termination on its website, DHCS is providing the public notification required by SB 870.