CA SB 1289

Title: Medi-Cal: county call centers: data.
Author: Richard Dale Roth

Summary
SB 1289, as amended, Roth. Medi-Cal: county call centers: data. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law sets forth various responsibilities for counties relating to eligibility determinations and enrollment functions under the Medi-Cal program.Existing federal law sets forth Medicaid reporting requirements for each state during the period between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, inclusive, relating to eligibility redeterminations, including, among other information, the total call-center volume, average wait times, and average abandonment rate for each call center of the state agency responsible for administering the state plan, as specified.This bill would require the department to establish statewide minimum standards for assistance provided by county call centers to applicants or beneficiaries applying for, renewing, or requesting help in obtaining or maintaining Medi-Cal coverage. The bill would require promulgation of the standards in regulation by July 1, 2026, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to develop alternate standards for a county that does not operate a call center for Medi-Cal applicants and beneficiaries.The bill would require a county to collect and submit to the department on April 1, 2025 and each quarter thereafter call-center data metrics, including, among other information, call volume, average call wait times by language, and callbacks. Commencing on July 1, 2025, and each quarter thereafter, the bill would require a county that does not operate a call center for Medi-Cal applicants and beneficiaries to collect and submit to the department approved alternative metrics. By creating new duties for counties relating to call data, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The bill would require the department to prepare a report, excluding any personally identifiable information, on county call data, identifying challenges and targets or standards for improvement. The bill would require the department to post the report on its internet website on a quarterly basis no later than 45 calendar days after the conclusion of each quarter. The bill would require the initial report on county call-center data from counties operating call centers to be due on May 15, 2025.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Status
From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (April 24).

Bill Documents
CA SB 1289 - 04/08/24 - Amended Senate
04/08/24 - CA SB 1289 (04/08/24 - Amended Senate)