DHCS Stakeholder News – November 4, 2022
Nangungunang Balita
Na-update ang Operational Unwinding Plan ng DHCS COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).
Noong Oktubre 27, in-update ng DHCS ang Medi-Cal COVID-19 PHE Operational Unwinding Plan. Ang na-update na plano ay sumasalamin sa dalawang bagong kakayahang umangkop na inaprubahan ng Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) na epektibo noong Oktubre 18 upang higit pang bawasan ang administratibong pasanin sa mga miyembro ng Medi-Cal, mga managed care plan (MCP), at mga lokal na tanggapan ng county kapag nag-a-update ng impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng miyembro. Ang mga kakayahang umangkop na ito ay mananatiling may bisa 14 na buwan pagkatapos ng COVID-19 PHE, na magiging napakahalaga at kapaki-pakinabang habang pinoproseso ng mga county ang mga muling pagpapasiya ng Medi-Cal sa panahon ng pag-unwinding ng COVID-19 PHE. Ang mga karagdagang inaprubahang flexibility ay:
- Pakikipagtulungan sa National Change of Address (NCOA) Database at United States Postal Service (USPS) In-State Forwarding Address upang I-update ang Impormasyon sa Pakikipag-ugnayan sa Miyembro. Pansamantalang papahintulutan ng DHCS ang pagtanggap ng na-update na in-state enrollee contact information mula sa NCOA database at USPS in-state forwarding address nang walang karagdagang kumpirmasyon mula sa indibidwal. Sa ilalim ng awtoridad na ito, ituturing ng California ang na-update na impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa estado na kinumpirma at natanggap mula sa database ng NCOA o ibinalik na mail ng USPS na may isang forwarding address bilang maaasahan, at ia-update ang rekord ng miyembro ng bagong impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan nang hindi muna nagpapadala ng abiso sa address ng miyembro na nakatala sa estado.
- Pakikipagtulungan sa Programa ng All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations para I-update ang Impormasyon sa Pakikipag-ugnayan sa Benepisyaryo. Pansamantalang papahintulutan ng California ang pagtanggap ng updated na in-state enrollee contact information mula sa mga organisasyon ng PACE nang walang karagdagang kumpirmasyon mula sa indibidwal. Sa ilalim ng awtoridad na ito, ituturing ng estado ang na-update na in-state na impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan na kinumpirma ng at natanggap mula sa mga organisasyon ng PACE na nakikipagkontrata sa ahensya ng Medicaid ng estado bilang maaasahan, at ia-update ang rekord ng benepisyaryo ng bagong impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan nang hindi muna nagpapadala ng abiso sa address ng benepisyaryo na nakatala sa estado.
CMS Outreach sa Medi-Cal Asset Limits Changes
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.
Mga Update sa Programa
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.
Upang suriin ang bagong impormasyon tungkol sa mga proseso ng pagpaparehistro at pagsusumite ng aplikasyon para sa CWSRP, mangyaring bisitahin ang webpage ng CWSRP. Mag-sign up para sa mga anunsyo ng stakeholder ng CWSRP upang manatiling may kaalaman sa mga bagong development.
Mga Slide ng Presentasyon sa Mga Programa at Inisyatiba ng Pangkalusugan ng mga Bata
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.
Pagpapakita ng Seksyon 1115 ng CalAIM at Pagwawaksi ng Seksyon 1915(b).
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.
Pagpopondo para Suportahan ang Yurok Tribe Regional Wellness Center
Noong Nobyembre 1, naglabas ang DHCS sa Yurok Tribe ng $15 milyon para tumulong sa pagtatatag ng Regional Wellness Center. Ang isang beses na Pangkalahatang Pondo ay isinama sa Senate Bill 154 (Kabanata 43, Mga Batas ng 2022) upang suportahan ang pagtatatag ng isang Regional Wellness Center, na magiging isang Tribal-specific center para sa mga serbisyo sa droga, alkohol, at kalusugan ng isip. Sinusuportahan nito ang layunin ng DHCS Comprehensive Quality Strategy na alisin ang mga pagkakaiba sa kalusugan sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong na matiyak na ang mga American Indian ay may access sa mga serbisyong pangkalusugan sa pag-uugali na naaangkop sa kultura, kabilang ang mga serbisyo ng substance use disorder, residential treatment, transitional housing, at aftercare.
Sumali sa Aming Koponan
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.
Mga Paparating na Mga Pagpupulong ng Stakeholder at Webinar
CalAIM Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and 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.
Espesyal na Webinar ng Behavioral Health Stakeholder Advisory Committee (BH-SAC) upang Manghingi ng Feedback sa Medicaid Section 1115 Concept Paper
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 para sa mga Pamilya
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.
Pampublikong Pagdinig upang Talakayin ang Mga Kinakailangan at Pamamaraan sa Pagpapatala ng Medi-Cal para sa 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.
Mga Oras ng Opisina ng CalAIM: Q&A para sa mga Counties na Bagong Implementasyon ng ECM at Mga Suporta sa Komunidad
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 Campaign para sa Medi-Cal Dental Services
Sa Nobyembre 17 at 21, ang Smile, California ay magho-host ng dalawang Facebook Live na pagtatanghal para sa mga miyembro ng Medi-Cal, isa sa Ingles at isa sa Espanyol. Ang pagtatanghal sa Ingles ay gaganapin sa Nobyembre 17 sa 5:30 p.m., at ang pagtatanghal sa Espanyol ay gaganapin sa Nobyembre 21 sa 5:30 p.m. Ang mga kinatawan ng outreach ng miyembro ngSmile, California ay maghahatid ng Smile, Your Medi-Cal Benefits Include Dental! pagtatanghal at:
- Talakayin ang Medi-Cal Dental Program.
- Ipaalam sa mga manonood ang tungkol sa mga sakop na serbisyong dental na magagamit para sa mga miyembro sa lahat ng edad.
- Sagutin ang mga tanong tungkol sa mga benepisyo sa ngipin ng Medi-Cal.
Webinar ng Reporma sa Pagpopondo sa Pasilidad ng Narsing
Sa Nobyembre 18, mula 2 hanggang 3 pm, magho-host ang DHCS ng virtual stakeholder meeting para talakayin ang Workforce and Quality Incentive Program (WQIP) na pinahintulutan ng Assembly Bill 186 (Chapter 46, Statutes of 2022). Ipagpapatuloy ng pulong na ito ang talakayan ng disenyo ng programa ng WQIP na dati nang iniharap sa virtual stakeholder meeting noong Oktubre 25, maglalahad ng anumang iminungkahing pagbabago, at magbibigay ng karagdagang pagkakataon para sa feedback ng stakeholder. Ang impormasyon tungkol sa kung paano sumali sa webinar sa Nobyembre 18 ay ipo-post sa webpage ng Nursing Facility Financing Reform AB 186 na mas malapit sa petsa ng pagpupulong.
CalAIM Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and 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 – Ikaapat na 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).