Medi-Cal: street medicine.

Assembly Member Mark González's street medicine initiative aims to expand Medi-Cal coverage for individuals experiencing homelessness through direct outreach and care delivery. The legislation establishes a framework for healthcare providers to deliver medical services directly to unsheltered individuals in non-traditional settings, while creating new presumptive eligibility pathways to expedite access to care.

The bill authorizes Medi-Cal managed care plans to incorporate street medicine providers into their networks, allowing beneficiaries experiencing homelessness to receive services regardless of network assignment. These providers can make referrals for specialized care, diagnostic services, and medical equipment within the plan's network. The legislation requires plans to establish mechanisms for beneficiaries to self-identify as experiencing homelessness and mandates data sharing between Medi-Cal and social services systems to better coordinate care.

To facilitate immediate access to services, the bill creates a presumptive eligibility program specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness. Enrolled Medi-Cal providers, including street medicine teams, can make eligibility determinations on-site to provide full-scope benefits without cost sharing while formal applications are processed. The Department of Health Care Services must implement these provisions upon securing federal approval and maintaining federal financial participation.

The measure aligns with existing Medi-Cal benefits like community health worker services and enhanced care management while addressing distinct service gaps. Implementation requires coordination between state agencies, managed care plans, and local jurisdictions to establish data sharing protocols, provider enrollment standards, and reimbursement mechanisms that comply with privacy laws and federal requirements.