Citing Possible Conflict Of Interest, Medi-Cal Commission Rejects Bids To Manage Pharmacy Benefits
The panel voted unanimously to restart the process to decide what company will manage a pharmacy program for the Gold Coast Health Plan. In other Medi-Cal news, a ballot measure proposes to use hospital fees to fund the low-income health program.
Ventura County Star:
Medi-Cal Commission Cites Possible Conflict, Rejects Pharmacy Bids
A Medi-Cal commission voted Monday to reject bids and back up the process of finding a company for the high-priced job of running a pharmacy benefits program that serves more than 200,000 Ventura County residents. Revolving around possible conflict-of-interest concerns, the decision came after impassioned presentations from two companies involved and a suggestion there may be more arguments to come. (Kisken, 5/23)
California Healthline:
Ballot Measure Seeks To Protect Use Of Hospital Fees For Low-Income Health Coverage
A joint legislative committee Wednesday will hear pro and con arguments on a ballot measure intended to protect an important source of funding for low-income Californians. The measure, known as the Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act, would override the scheduled expiration of a fund used by the state to bring in matching dollars from the federal government for Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid health care program for low-income people. The fund — financed by hospitals — would become permanent. (Ibarra, 5/24)