SB 530: Medi-Cal: time and distance standards.

The Medi-Cal program will continue to have time and distance standards for managed care covered services until January 1, 2029. These standards aim to ensure that services are available and accessible to enrollees in a timely manner. Managed care plans must ensure that each subcontractor network complies with these standards unless already required to do so. Plans will be required to demonstrate compliance with the standards, and the use of telehealth providers will not exempt plans from providing access to in-person services if a beneficiary prefers. Plans must also inform enrollees about their option to use or not use telehealth, covered transportation services, or out-of-network providers if a service provider is outside the time or distance standards. The Department of Health Care Services will evaluate compliance annually and publish a report of its findings. Starting in 2029, the…