CA AB543

Authorizes Medi-Cal managed care plans to offer covered services through "field medicine providers" — licensed medical professionals who deliver care directly on the street, in encampments, cars, or other locations where homeless individuals reside, rather than in traditional clinics

Requires participating managed care plans to allow homeless members to receive services from any in-network field medicine provider regardless of their assigned primary care provider or independent practice association, and to accept direct referrals from field medicine providers for specialty care, medications, and durable medical equipment

Mandates that managed care plans establish methods for members to report their homeless status online, in person, or by phone, and requires the department to share homelessness information from Medi-Cal applications with managed care plans

Requires the standard application form for insurance affordability programs (including Medi-Cal) to include an optional question about homelessness status by January 1, 2027

Implementation is contingent on obtaining necessary federal approvals and availability of federal financial participation; the state must reimburse counties for any new state-mandated costs related to data sharing