CA SB56

Authorizes local initiative health plans, county-organized health plans, and the County Medical Services Program governing board to form joint ventures through contractual relationships to pool risk, share networks, or jointly offer health plans to individuals and groups.

Requires all joint ventures formed under this bill to meet all requirements of the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975.

Directs participating health plans to seek contracts with public hospitals, county health clinics, primary care clinics, and other safety net providers when forming joint ventures.

Allows the County Medical Services Program governing board to contract with a third-party administrator to provide health coverage under a joint venture if the board chooses to participate.

Requires joint venture funding to be separate from the County Medical Services Program and prohibits joint ventures from impairing the financial stability of the program.