Category Archives: Health Coverage

Medi-Cal Healthier California for All: Integrated Health Services

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To meet various health needs ranging from behavioral and physical health services, substance use disorder treatment, in-home services and developmental help, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) created a multi-year initiative. This initiative (dubbed “Medi-Cal Healthier for All,” formerly CalAIM) is for integrating the many care programs and systems, aligning funding, data reporting, as well as the quality and infrastructure of the services to improve the quality of life and health outcomes. 

The “Medi-Cal Healthier California for All” initiative has three basic goals:  

  1. To manage member risk and need through Whole Person Care approaches and address the social determinants of health; 
  2. To improve quality outcomes and drive delivery system transformation through value-based initiatives, modernization of systems and payment reform;
  3. To move Medi-Cal to a more consistent and seamless system by reducing complexity and increasing flexibility.

The initiative also contains several components that help increase access to behavioral health, initiatives and reforms for Medi-Cal Managed Care, Dental and other County programs and services.  

Read more about the benefits of the initiative here.

HEALTH COVERAGE EXPANDED FOR UNDOCUMENTED YOUNG ADULTS

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Effective January 1, 2020 low income undocumented young adults age 19-25 can enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal coverage and receive care regardless of their current immigration status under the expansion of the Health4All Medi-Cal program.  

Young adults who reside lawfully in the US have been included in the expansion of Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act since 2014. This new law allows anyone who resides in the US currently on a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) visa or in an undocumented status to gain access to the same level of health care services as a US citizen. 

Read the details here.

New System Expands Services and Access to Care

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Since launching the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC ODS) pilot in San Mateo County in February 2017, BHRS data has shown a 140% increase in the number of unique Medi-Cal beneficiaries served  annually by the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) provider network  – from 516 people in 2016 to 1,245 people in 2018.  DMC services billed to the State have also increased 206% since implementation.  This increase is due in part, to the increase in the number of certified DMC  providers, from four in 2016 to twenty-four certified DMC providers currently. 

What is the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System? 

The Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) is a pilot program which expands the services that can be provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries under the Drug Medi-Cal benefit that were not previously covered.  Important new services include:  residential treatment, recovery support services, case management, and medication assisted treatment services.  When combined with the original DMC services (outpatient services, intensive outpatient, and opioid treatment services), a comprehensive substance use disorder benefit is now available.  Through these services, our aim is to improve access and timeliness to care,  enhance our client’s experience of care, and improve overall client health and wellness.    

Read more on how BHRS will continue serving and expanding treatment options and quality of care through this system, click here.

Release: SMC Encourages Residents to Keep Benefits and Enroll in Affordable Health Care

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In the wake of the proposed changes to federal “public charge” immigration rules, which define how an immigrant resident’s application to enter the country or receive a green card is assessed, San Mateo County advises everyone to utilize the benefits they need and remain available to them.

The proposed changes significantly expand what public benefits are considered as public charge (e.g., Medi-Cal, CalFresh, public housing or Section 8 vouchers). Access to healthcare and insurance, food and housing are critical to a healthy community, and San Mateo County remains committed to providing excellent services with respect and dignity for all. Read the full press release here.

Last Day of Open Enrollment for 2018 Health Coverage!

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Today is the last day to renew, change or enroll in health insurance coverage through Covered California. Local in-person enrollment assistance is available by calling (650) 616-2002 or 1 (800) 223-8383. People can also enroll directly through Covered California’s website: www.CoveredCA.com.

Release: Jan. 31 Affordable Health Coverage Deadline

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covered californiaWith just two weeks until the January 31 deadline to sign up for health insurance through Covered California, an estimated 29,000 San Mateo County residents still do not have health insurance and may qualify for financial help. The health system is encouraging all county residents to enroll in affordable health coverage. Check out the news release for more information.

There will be free health coverage enrollments, along with a presentation on health coverage programs for all immigrants in California at the Health Coverage for All forum on January 28.

 

 

 

Jan. 28 – Health Insurance Coverage for All

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Confused about the latest changes to health care and tax laws? Afraid of applying for public benefits because of potential changes to immigration laws?

Join San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and Legal Aid Society for an informative presentation, offered in English and Spanish, on health coverage programs for all immigrants in California.

There will also be a community resource fair, on-site health screening, children’s activities, free refreshments, health insurance enrollment and more. See thee event flyer in English or Spanish for more information.

When?
January 28, 2018, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where?
St. Francis of Assisi Church
1425 Bay Road
East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Please register by January 19 here. Interpreter services available within 3 days notice.

Questions? Contact Winnie Wu (650) 372-6113, wcwu@smcgov.org.

Midnight Tonight: Deadline to Enroll for Covered California Insurance Starting January 1

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covered californiaThe deadline to enroll in Covered California and have coverage starting January 1 is midnight tonight, December 22.  

Important Covered California deadlines:

  • For coverage beginning January 1, 2018 – Enroll by December 22, 2017
  • For coverage beginning March 1, 2018 – Enroll by January 31, 2018, last day of open enrollment 

How to enroll in Covered California

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