CA SB171

Extends network adequacy and appointment time standards for Medi-Cal managed care plans from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, maintaining existing time and distance requirements for primary care, specialists, mental health services, and substance use disorder services by county.

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to implement home and community-based services enhancements under Medi-Cal approved by federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and to comply with federal requirements to claim increased federal medical assistance percentages for eligible expenditures.

Directs the department to complete an independent analysis by January 1, 2024 determining whether network adequacy exists to obtain federal approval for a Medi-Cal benefit providing housing support services, including considerations of non-certified providers, regional capacity, and comparisons to other states.

Appropriates $6,434,000 from the Federal Trust Fund for fiscal year 2021-22 to the State Department of Health Care Services to support community mental health services.

Takes effect immediately as a bill providing appropriations related to the Budget Bill.