Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee (MMAC) Frequently Asked Questions
About the 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.
What is the 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.
What do we talk about during the MMAC meetings?
The MMAC discusses and shares feedback on topics related to Medi-Cal policies and programs, such as:
- Additions and changes to covered services
- Coordination of care
- Quality of services
- Quy trình xác định điều kiện, đăng ký và gia hạn
- Enrollee and provider communications
- Năng lực văn hóa, khả năng tiếp cận ngôn ngữ, công bằng về y tế, và sự bất bình đẳng và định kiến trong chương trình Medicaid
- Access to services
- Other issues that impact members’ experiences and outcomes.
What does DHCS do with MMAC members’ feedback?
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:
- You Share
During MMAC meetings, members share their feedback directly with DHCS. - We Bring Voices Together
After each meeting, feedback from the MMAC is shared with the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council. - We Create Recommendations
DHCS brings together feedback from both the MMAC and the Voices and Vision Council to create a list of recommendations. - Members Review and Vote
Members of the MMAC and Voices and Vision Council review the recommendations and vote on whether to approve them. - We Track What Happens
Approved recommendations are added to a public tracker, where DHCS provides updates on their status.
Who are the Voices and Vision Council members?
The Voices & Vision Council is made up of Medi-Cal members, Medi-Cal Health Plans, Medi-Cal providers, community-based organizations, and state/county partners that work with Medi-Cal members, hand in hand.
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.
How many people serve on the 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.
- Occasionally, members are asked to provide feedback and responses by email in between meetings.
- 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)
- Opportunities for professional development in the health care system
- Experience that can be added to your resume
- The opportunity to meaningfully shape the Medi-Cal program to improve the health of their community.
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.