CA SB987

Requires Medi-Cal managed care plans to make good faith efforts to contract with at least one National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)-affiliated site, or qualifying academic cancer center in each county where they operate.

Allows enrollees diagnosed with complex cancer diagnoses to request referrals to these specialized cancer centers for medically necessary services, unless they choose a different provider.

Permits out-of-network referrals to these cancer centers if the managed care plan cannot successfully contract with an in-network facility and payment agreements can be reached.

Requires managed care plans to notify all enrollees of their right to request referrals to these cancer treatment centers if diagnosed with a complex cancer diagnosis.

Authorizes the Department of Health Care Services to implement the law through guidance documents without formal rulemaking and requires the department to seek federal approval before implementation.