CA SB1180

Extends time and distance standards for Medi-Cal managed care covered services from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2026, ensuring services remain accessible to enrollees within specified distances or travel times based on service type and county.

Maintains existing network adequacy requirements for primary care, hospitals, dental services, specialists, pharmacy, mental health services, and substance use disorder services, with varying distance/time standards for urban and rural counties.

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to seek input from stakeholders including consumer advocates, managed care plans, and providers prior to January 1, 2025 to determine what changes, if any, are needed to these provisions.

Allows managed care plans to request alternative access standards if they cannot meet time and distance requirements, subject to department approval on a ZIP Code and provider type basis within 90 days.

Permits use of telehealth, e-visits, and other telecommunications technology as alternative means to comply with time and distance standards when clinically appropriate.