Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Advocates Say State Cooperating With Possible Revamp of Notices to Duals
As the May 1 launch of much of the state’s duals demonstration project gets closer, concerns about its implementation have increased, but advocates are encouraged by state officials’ willingness to listen and respond to worries.
Duals Project Schedule Unchanged
The state’s demonstration project to coordinate care for Californians eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare will proceed as scheduled, despite a request from advocates last week calling for the project to be delayed.
Advocates Ask for Delay in Duals Project
Advocates for seniors and the disabled sent an “urgent request” to federal and state officials last week asking them to delay the start of California’s duals demonstration project.
State Officials, Advocates at Odds Over Size, Scope, Details of Duals Project
As the launch date for a pilot project to move roughly 400,000 senior and disabled dually eligible Californians into managed care plans approaches, state health officials are working on details with health plans, providers and beneficiaries.
Los Angeles Provider Groups Upset Over Opt-Out Forms for Duals Project
Two groups of Los Angeles County health care providers submitted a letter to state health officials outlining new concerns about the opt-out provision of the state’s duals demonstration project.
Legislators Question Duals Program Implementation at Oversight Hearing
At a joint legislative hearing yesterday, state health officials fielded a wide range of questions and concerns about the dual-eligibles demonstration project due to launch on April 1.
State Alters Rollout of Duals Project
The launch of the state’s duals demonstration project still is slated for April 1, but with some county-specific delays and a few changes in Los Angeles County.
Dual Eligibles Transition Sparks Worries
California health officials want to move one million Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal and Medicare into managed care. Advocates worry the state will not properly prepare seniors for the transition.
CMS, State Officials Halt Participation of CalOptima in Dual-Eligible Plan
Federal officials found “widespread and systemic” violations in an audit of Southern California insurer CalOptima, causing state officials to exclude Orange County residents — at least temporarily — from the Cal MediConnect conversion of dual-eligibles to Medi-Cal managed care.
Study: Dual Eligibles Worried About April Transition to Managed Care
A new study from UCLA says seniors are worried about the state’s duals demonstration project. Beginning in April, the state will move about 450,000 Californians eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal into Medi-Cal managed care plans.