Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal managed care plans rarely work to expand chronic disease care management to populations with limited English-language or literacy skills, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care.

Estimates show that between one-half and two-thirds of Medi-Cal beneficiaries fall into one of these categories. People with limited English-language or literacy skills often face higher incidences of chronic disease and less effectively manage chronic diseases.

The study concluded that policymakers should encourage Medi-Cal plans to expand chronic disease care management strategies to these vulnerable populations in hopes of reducing health care disparities (Goldman et al, American Journal of Managed Care, May 2007).