We are pleased to share several new mini-briefs highlighting CPEHN’s recommendations for ways to advance health equity as part of California’s “Medi-Cal Healthier California for All” (MHCFA) framework These briefs are in response to several MHCFA proposals discussed as part of the Population Health, Enhanced Care Management/In Lieu of Services and Behavioral Health Integration work groups.
Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) can advance behavioral health equity by adding mental
health services based on community-defined evidence, to the outpatient mental health services available to a plan’s beneficiaries. Developed specifically to address the unmet needs and strengths of a cultural group, these services can be an important component of a mental health system that assists diverse communities. These services could be reimbursed by Medi-Cal through a State Plan Amendment as an additional service under the Medi-Cal preventive services benefit. Alternatively,
California could include these services as part of the in-lieu of services (ILOS) that MCPs can offer under the “Medi-Cal Healthier California for All” framework. The Department of Health Care Services is proposing to allow for specific cultural practices for American Indian/Alaska Native communities and reimbursement for the workforce of traditional healers and natural helpers.