Three Counties Prepare To Develop Medi-Cal Managed Care System
Officials in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties are preparing to launch one of the largest Medi-Cal managed care systems in California by creating two new health plans for the 240,000 beneficiaries in the three counties, the Fresno Bee reports.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid system.
The plans are scheduled to take effect in October 2010.
The initiative will allow Medi-Cal beneficiaries to choose between a plan administered by a regional health authority and a state-selected commercial plan.
California will select a commercial provider among health plans that submit bids.
Carol Barney, health director for Madera County, said that only elderly, blind and disabled Medi-Cal beneficiaries in the three counties will remain in fee-for-service programs when the new system launches.
Keith Winkler, director of public health for Kings County, said the new managed care plan will allow counties to exert greater control over managing costs and increase physician reimbursement rates with the savings generated.
The Fresno-Kings-Madera Regional Health Authority met last week to form a 17-member commission and establish bylaws for the new initiative (Anderson, Fresno Bee, 6/27). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.