Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income persons receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal Childrens Health Advisory Panel for the purpose of advising the department on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families. Existing law specifies the composition of the members of the panel, which includes three members who are parents of children who have received specified Medi-Cal services. Existing law requires the department to pay a per-meeting stipend to each advisory panel member who is a Medi-Cal enrollee or parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

This bill would revise the qualification criteria for the 3 panel positions filled by parent members described above to instead fill those positions with 3 members who are either Medi-Cal enrollees who have received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, or who are a parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger. The bill would provide that a member of the advisory panel appointed on or after January 1, 2018, shall serve a term of 3 years, except as specified, and would specify a procedure for transitioning existing panel membership to those new terms. The bill would authorize the department to remove a member of the advisory panel if the director of the department determines removal is necessary, and would authorize the chair of the panel to recommend removal of a member who obstructs the functions of the panel for cause. The bill would require the chair of the panel to notify the department of a vacancy on the panel, as specified. The bill would expand the requirement to pay a per-meeting stipend to include a foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income persons receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal Childrens Health Advisory Panel for the purpose of advising the department on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families. Existing law specifies the composition of the members of the panel, which includes three members who are parents of children who have received specified Medi-Cal services. Existing law requires the department to pay a per-meeting stipend to each advisory panel member who is a Medi-Cal enrollee or parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

This bill would revise the qualification criteria for the 3 panel positions filled by parent members described above to instead fill those positions with 3 members who are either Medi-Cal enrollees who have received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, or who are a parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger. The bill would provide that a member of the advisory panel appointed on or after January 1, 2018, shall serve a term of 3 years, except as specified, and would specify a procedure for transitioning existing panel membership to those new terms. The bill would authorize the department to remove a member of the advisory panel if the director of the department determines removal is necessary, and would authorize the chair of the panel to recommend removal of a member who obstructs the functions of the panel for cause. The bill would require the chair of the panel to notify the department of a vacancy on the panel, as specified. The bill would expand the requirement to pay a per-meeting stipend to include a foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income persons receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid Program program provisions. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal Childrens Health Advisory Panel for the purpose of advising the department on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families. Existing law specifies the composition of the members of the panel, which includes three members who are parents of children who have received specified Medi-Cal services. Existing law requires the department to pay a per-meeting stipend to each advisory panel member who is a Medi-Cal enrollee or parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

This bill would revise the qualification criteria for a parent member of the panel, as specified. The bill would provide that commencing January 1, 2019, a member of the panel shall serve a term of no more than 3 years, the 3 panel positions filled by parent members described above to instead fill those positions with 3 members who are either Medi-Cal enrollees who have received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, or who are a parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger. The bill would provide that a member of the advisory panel appointed on or after January 1, 2018, shall serve a term of 3 years, except as specified, and would specify a procedure for transitioning existing panel membership to those new terms. The bill would authorize the department to remove a member of the advisory panel if the director of the department determines removal is necessary, and would authorize the chair of the panel to recommend removal of a member who obstructs the functions of the panel for cause. The bill would require the chair of the panel to notify the department of a vacancy on the panel, as specified. The bill would expand the requirement to pay a per-meeting stipend to include a foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income persons receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid Program provisions. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal Childrens Health Advisory Panel for the purpose of advising the department on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families. Existing law specifies the composition of the members of the panel, which includes three members who are parents of children who have received specified Medi-Cal services.

This bill would revise the qualification criteria for a parent member of the panel, as specified. The bill would provide that commencing January 1, 2019, a member of the panel shall serve a term of no more than 3 years, and would specify a procedure for transitioning existing panel membership to those new terms. The bill would authorize the panel to recommend removal of a member who obstructs the functions of the panel for cause.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 220

Author:(Pan)

As Amended Ver:March 20, 2017

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 32-7

SUMMARY: Limits the terms of members of the Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), permits DHCS greater flexibility in appointing three parent positions to MCHAP, and permits a MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the Chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Specifically, this bill:

1. Revises the membership of the MCHAP to include three individuals who are either:
   1. A Medi-Cal enrollee who has received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, including, but not limited to, benefits or services received through the Medi-Cal Access Program; or,
   2. A parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger.
2. Establishes term limits for MCHAP participants appointed on or after January 1, 2018, to three years, commencing upon the expiration of the predecessor member's term, as specified.
3. Staggers MCHAP's terms of membership so that five members of the panel end their terms on December 31, 2018, five members end their terms on December 31, 2019, and five members end their terms on December 31, 2020. Permits members appointed to fill a vacancy caused by any reason other than expiration of the predecessor member's term to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
4. Permits a MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the MCHAP Chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Permits the MCHAP Chair to recommend removal of a MCHAP member for cause if the member obstructs the function of the advisory panel, including but not limited to, the failure of a member to attend two consecutive meetings of the advisory panel.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: According to the author, this bill would make technical improvements to the MCHAP, a stakeholder group that provides feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. In order for the group to ensure that all of California's kids in Medi-Cal are receiving the best possible care they can receive, the state needs to make sure that the panel composition conditions are up to date and flexible so that there are strong representatives dedicated to children's health.

On January 1, 2015, the MCHAP was formed to advise DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The MCHAP consists of a 15-member advisory body whose members are recognized stakeholders/experts in their fields, practicing and/or certified medical professionals, advocates who represent the interest of children's health, as well as parent members who provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. To facilitate focused discussion of issues that impact children's health, MCHAP meetings are generally designed in a 'deep dive' format with discussions occurring on one or two topics at each meeting. State law requires that the MCHAP meet at minimum on a quarterly basis, however, from 2015 to 2016 it met on a more frequent basis. Meetings have included discussions of pediatric dental programs, the expansion of health care coverage for all children, and network adequacy requirements for Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans. The MCHAP replaced the advisory body that previously existed for the Healthy Families Program, which was administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.

The Children's Health Coverage Coalition (CHCC) states in support that since its creation in 2015, MCHAP has served as an important advisory body that advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The CHCC states that members of the panel provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal and ensure that children and families have a strong voice at DHCS. The CHCC states that MCHAP is the only advisory body at DHCS that includes parent members and that this bill will update a few unclear and outdated provisions for the composition of the members of MCHAP, specifically the qualification criteria, the term limit of a member, and the removal of a member for cause.

The California Right to Life Committees, Inc. (CRLC), states in opposition that this bill is part of a strategy to broaden the input from various community participants, thus giving the appearance of more support for the work of the MCHAP. CRLC further states that in reality, this is one facet of a goal in the MCHAP's mission to care for children, but which is unattainable in the long run and would be using tax payers' dollars for policy considerations and not for actual health care services.

Analysis Prepared by: Paula Villescaz / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097 FN: 0001059

Date of Hearing: June 28, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 220

Author:(Pan) – As Amended Ver:March 20, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill limits the terms of members of the Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel (Advisory Panel) in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), permits DHCS greater flexibility in appointing parent positions to panel, and permits DHCS to remove a panel member.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Negligible state fiscal impact.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author, this bill would make technical improvements to the Advisory Panel, which provides feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal.
2. Background. Since 2015, the Advisory Panel has advised DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The panel consists of 15 members who are stakeholders or experts in their fields, medical professionals, children’s health advocates, and parents. To facilitate focused discussion of issues that impact children’s health, meetings are generally designed in a ‘deep dive’ format with discussions on one or two topics at each quarterly meeting. The panel replaced the advisory body that previously existed for the Healthy Families Program, which was administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.
3. Support. This bill is sponsored by Children Now, who states it will ensure robust feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. It is supported by a number of other children's advocacy and labor groups.
4. Opposition. The California Right to Life Committees, Inc. opposes this bill, raising objections to dedicating state resources to the work of the Advisory Panel.
5. Prior Legislation. SB 357 (Pan), Chapter 376, Statutes of 2014, created the current Advisory Panel by renaming the Healthy Families Advisory Board, transferred the new entity to DHCS, and required DHCS to provide general support and staff assistance to the Advisory Panel.

Analysis Prepared by: Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 20, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

Jim Wood, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 220

Author:(Pan) – As Amended Ver:March 20, 2017

SENATE VOTE: 32-7

SUBJECT: Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel.

SUMMARY: Limits the terms of members of the Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), permits DHCS greater flexibility in appointing three parent positions to MCHAP, and permits a MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the Chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Specifically, this bill:

1. Revises the membership of the MCHAP to include three individuals who are either:
   1. A Medi-Cal enrollee who has received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, including, but not limited to, benefits or services received through the Medi-Cal Access Program; or,
   2. A parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger.
2. Establishes term limits for MCHAP participants appointed on or after January 1, 2018, to three years, commencing upon the expiration of the predecessor member’s term, as specified.
3. Staggers MCHAP's terms of membership so that five members of the panel end their terms on December 31, 2018, five members end their terms on December 31, 2019, and five members end their terms on December 31, 2020. Permits members appointed to fill a vacancy caused by any reason other than expiration of the predecessor member's term to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
4. Permits a MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the MCHAP Chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Permits the MCHAP Chair to recommend removal of a MCHAP member for cause if the member obstructs the function of the advisory panel, including but not limited to, the failure of a member to attend two consecutive meetings of the advisory panel. 

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes, under federal law, the Medicaid Program (Medi-Cal in California), administered by DHCS, to provide comprehensive health care services to low-income individuals, including children. Makes eligible for Medi-Cal coverage, children in families with incomes up to 266% of the federal poverty level (at or below $53,626 for a family of three in 2016).
2. Establishes within DHCS the MCHAP as an independent, 15-member statewide advisory board to advise DHCS on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, including, but not limited to, emerging trends in the care of children, quality measurements, communications between DHCS and Medi-Cal families, provider network issues, and Medi-Cal enrollment issues.
3. Requires the three parent members of the MCHAP to meet the following criteria:
4. A parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee who has received treatment services under the California Children’s Services Program within the past six months;
5. A Medi-Cal enrollee who has received services under the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) within the past six months (MCAP serves pregnant women and their infants); and,
6. A parent or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee under 21 years of age who has received mental health services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program within the past six months. 

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS:

1. PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, this bill would make technical improvements to the MCHAP, a stakeholder group that provides feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. In order for the group to ensure that all of California’s kids in Medi-Cal are receiving the best possible care they can receive, the state needs to make sure that the panel composition conditions are up to date and flexible so that there are strong representatives dedicated to children’s health.
2. BACKGROUND. On January 1, 2015, the MCHAP was formed to advise DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The MCHAP consists of a 15-member advisory body whose members are recognized stakeholders/experts in their fields, practicing and/or certified medical professionals, advocates who represent the interest of children’s health, as well as parent members who provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. To facilitate focused discussion of issues that impact children’s health, MCHAP meetings are generally designed in a ‘deep dive’ format with discussions occurring on one or two topics at each meeting. State law requires that the MCHAP meet at minimum on a quarterly basis, however, from 2015 to 2016 it met on a more frequent basis. Meetings have included discussions of pediatric dental programs, the expansion of health care coverage for all children, and network adequacy requirements for Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans. The MCHAP replaced the advisory body that previously existed for the Healthy Families Program, which was administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.
3. SUPPORT. The Children’s Health Coverage Coalition (CHCC) states in support that since its creation in 2015, MCHAP has served as an important advisory body that advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The CHCC states that members of the panel provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal and ensure that children and families have a strong voice at DHCS. The CHCC states that MCHAP is the only advisory body at DHCS that includes parent members and that this bill will update a few unclear and outdated provisions for the composition of the members of MCHAP, specifically the qualification criteria, the term limit of a member, and the removal of a member for cause.
4. OPPOSITION. The California Right to Life Committees, Inc. (CRLC), states in opposition that this bill is part of a strategy to broaden the input from various community participants, thus giving the appearance of more support for the work of the MCHAP. CRLC further states that in reality, this is one facet of a goal in the MCHAP's mission to care for children, but which is unattainable in the long run and would be using tax payers' dollars for policy considerations and not for actual health care services.
5. PREVIOUS LEGISLATION. AB 357 (Pan), Chapter 376, Statutes of 2014, renamed the Healthy Families Advisory Board as the MCHAP, transferred the new entity to DHCS, required the MCHAP to be an independent statewide advisory board that advises DHCS on matters relevant to children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, and requires DHCS to provide general support and staff assistance to MCHAP.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Children Now (sponsor)

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

California Coverage and Health Initiatives

California School-Based Health Alliance

California School Employees Association

California State PTA

Children's Defense Fund, California

Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health

The Children's Partnership

United Ways of California

Opposition

California Right to Life Committee, Inc.

Analysis Prepared by: Paula Villescaz / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 220

Author: Pan (D)

Amended: 3/20/17

Vote: 21

SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE: 8-1, 4/19/17

AYES: Hernandez, Nguyen, Atkins, Leyva, Mitchell, Monning, Newman, Roth

NOES: Nielsen

SUBJECT: Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill limits the terms of members of the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), permits DHCS greater flexibility in appointing three parent positions to MCHAP, and permits an advisory panel member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes, under federal law, the Medicaid Program (Medi-Cal in California), administered by DHCS, to provide comprehensive health care services to low-income individuals, including children. Children are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage in families with incomes up to 266% of the federal poverty level (at or below $53,626 for a family of three in 2016).
2. Establishes within DHCS the MCHAP as an independent, 15-member statewide advisory board to advise DHCS on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, including, but not limited to, emerging trends in the care of children, quality measurements, communications between DHCS and Medi-Cal families, provider network issues, and Medi-Cal enrollment issues.
3. Requires three parent members of the 15-member MCHAP to meet the following criteria:
   1. A parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee who has received treatment services under the California Children’s Services Program within the past six months;
   2. A Medi-Cal enrollee who has received services under the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) within the past six months (MCAP serves pregnant women and their infants); and,
   3. A parent or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee under 21 years of age who has received mental health services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program within the past six months. 

This bill:

1. Revises the qualifications for the three MCHAP positions filled by parent members in existing law by allowing DHCS to fill those positions with three members who are either Medi-Cal enrollees who have received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, or who are a parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger.
2. Limits the terms of MCHAP members appointed on or after January 1, 2018, to a term of three years, commencing upon the expiration of the predecessor member’s term, except that a member appointed to fill a vacancy caused by any reason other than expiration of the predecessor member’s term is required to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
3. Requires members of the MCHAP appointed prior to January 1, 2018, by lot, to designate five members of the panel whose terms will end on December 31, 2018, five members whose terms will end on December 31, 2019, and five members whose terms will end on December 31, 2020.
4. Permits an MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Permits the chair to recommend removal of a member of the MCHAP for cause if the member obstructs the function of the MCHAP. Defines “obstruction of the function of the advisory panel” to include, but is not limited to, the failure of a member to attend two consecutive meetings of the advisory panel.
5. Requires the chair to immediately notify DHCS upon the occurrence of a vacancy on MCHAP. Prohibits a vacancy from existing solely because a panel member ceases to meet the qualifications for which the member was appointed.
6. Expands who is eligible for a $100 stipend per meeting attended to each panel member who is a Medi-Cal enrollee who is a foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee (this $100 stipend is limited to parents under existing law).

Comments

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, this bill makes technical improvements to MCHAP, a stakeholder group that provides feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. In order for the group to ensure that all of California’s kids in Medi-Cal are receiving the best possible care they can receive, the author argues we need to make sure that the panel composition conditions are up to date and flexible so that there are strong representatives dedicated to children’s health.
2. Medi-Cal coverage of children and MCHAP. As of September 2016, Medi-Cal provided coverage to 13.4 million Californians, including 5.5 million individuals age 0-20, representing 42% of overall Medi-Cal enrollment. AB 357 (Pan, Chapter 376, Statutes of 2014) renamed the Healthy Families Advisory Board as the MCHAP, transferred the new entity to DHCS, expanded the membership from 15 to 19 members, required MCHAP to be an independent statewide advisory board that advises DHCS on matters relevant to children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, and required DHCS to provide general support and staff assistance to the Panel. Since its establishment in 2014 within DHCS, MCHAP has had 18 meetings.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/1/17)

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO

California Coverage & Health Initiatives

Children’s Defense Fund-California

California School-Based Health Alliance

Children Now

United Ways of California

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/1/17)

California Right to Life Committee, Inc.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Coverage & Health Initiatives, Children Now, United Ways of California, and Children’s Defense Fund-California write in support of this bill to make technical improvements that would allow the 15-member MCHAP to function as intended. These groups argue, since its creation in 2015, MCHAP has served as an important advisory body that advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The members of the panel – stakeholders/experts in their fields, practicing and/or certified medical professionals, advocates who represent the interest of children’s health, and parent/caregiver members – all provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal and ensure that children and families have a strong voice at DHCS. Proponents argue it is especially important that DHCS hears directly from parents/caregivers of children enrolled in Medi-Cal as MCHAP is the only advisory body at DHCS that includes parent members. Supporters argue this bill will update a few unclear and outdated provisions for the composition of the members of MCHAP, specifically the qualification criteria, the term limit of a member, and the removal of a member for cause. These changes will strengthen the stakeholder advisory group to ensure children’s access and quality of care in Medi-Cal is maintained and improved.

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION: The California Right to Life Committee, Inc. writes in opposition that the advisory panel would be using taxpayer’s dollars for policy considerations and not for actual health care services.

Prepared by: Scott Bain / HEALTH /

5/3/17 14:40:35

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

Senator Ed Hernandez, O.D., Chair

BILL NO: SB 220

SUBJECT: Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel

SUMMARY:

Limits the terms of members of the Medi-Cal Childrens Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), permits DHCS greater flexibility in appointing three parent positions to MCHAP, and permits an advisory panel member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS.

Existing law:

1. Establishes, under federal law, the Medicaid Program (Medi-Cal in California), administered by DHCS, to provide comprehensive health care services to low-income individuals, including children. Children are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage in families with incomes up to 266% of the federal poverty level (at or below $53,626 for a family of 3 in 2016).
2. Establishes within DHCS the MCHAP as an independent, 15-member statewide advisory board to advise DHCS on matters relevant to all children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, including, but not limited to, emerging trends in the care of children, quality measurements, communications between DHCS and Medi-Cal families, provider network issues, and Medi-Cal enrollment issues.
3. Requires three parent members of the 15-member MCHAP to meet the following criteria:
4. A parent of a Medi-Cal enrollee who has received treatment services under the California Children’s Services Program within the past six months;
5. A Medi-Cal enrollee who has received services under the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) within the past six months (MCAP serves pregnant women and their infants); and,
6. A parent or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee under 21 years of age who has received mental health services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program within the past six months. 

This bill:

1. Revises the qualifications for the three MCHAP positions filled by parent members in existing law by allowing DHCS to fill those positions with three members who are either Medi-Cal enrollees who have received Medi-Cal benefits or services in relation to a pregnancy, or who are a parent, foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee who is 21 years of age or younger.
   
2. Limits the terms of MCHAP members appointed on or after January 1, 2018, to a term of three years, commencing upon the expiration of the predecessor member’s term, except that a member appointed to fill a vacancy caused by any reason other than expiration of the predecessor member’s term is required to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
   
3. Requires members of the MCHAP appointed prior to January 1, 2018, to by lot, designate five members of the panel whose terms will end on December 31, 2018, five members whose terms will end on December 31, 2019, and five members whose terms will end on December 31, 2020.
   
4. Permits an MCHAP member to be removed by DHCS, in consultation with the chair, if the removal is determined to be necessary by the Director of DHCS. Permits the chair to recommend removal of a member of the MCHAP for cause if the member obstructs the function of the MCHAP. Defines “obstruction of the function of the advisory panel” to include, but is not limited to, the failure of a member to attend two consecutive meetings of the advisory panel.
   
5. Requires the chair to immediately notify DHCS upon the occurrence of a vacancy on MCHAP. Prohibits a vacancy from existing solely because a panel member ceases to meet the qualifications for which the member was appointed.
   
6. Expands who is eligible for a $100 stipend per meeting attended to each panel member who is a Medi-Cal enrollee who is a foster parent, relative caregiver, or legal guardian of a Medi-Cal enrollee (this $100 stipend is limited to parents under existing law).

FISCAL EFFECT:

This bill has not been analyzed by a fiscal committee.

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s statement. According to the author, this bill would make technical improvements to MCHAP, a stakeholder group that provides feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal. In order for the group to ensure that all of California’s kids in Medi-Cal are receiving the best possible care they can receive, the author argues we need to make sure that the panel composition conditions are up to date and flexible so that there are strong representatives dedicated to children’s health.
2. Medi-Cal coverage of children. As of September 2016, Medi-Cal provided coverage to 13.4 million Californians, including 5.5 million individuals age 0-20, representing 42% of overall Medi-Cal enrollment. Since its establishment in 2014 within DHCS, MCHAP has had 18 meetings.
   
3. Prior legislation. AB 357 (Pan, Chapter 376, Statutes of 2014) renamed the Healthy Families Advisory Board as the MCHAP, transferred the new entity to DHCS, expanded the membership from 15 to 19 members, required MCHAP to be an independent statewide advisory board that advises DHCS on matters relevant to children enrolled in Medi-Cal and their families, and required DHCS to provide general support and staff assistance to the Panel.
4. Support. The California Coverage & Health Initiatives, Children Now, United Ways of California, and Children’s Defense Fund-California write in support of this bill to make technical improvements that would allow the 15-member MCHAP to function as intended. These groups argue, since its creation in 2015, MCHAP has served as an important advisory body that advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. The members of the panel – stakeholders/experts in their fields, practicing and/or certified medical professionals, advocates who represent the interest of children’s health, and parent/caregiver members – all provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal and ensure that children and families have a strong voice at DHCS. Proponents argue it is especially important that DHCS hears directly from parents/caregivers of children enrolled in Medi-Cal as MCHAP is the only advisory body at DHCS that includes parent members. Supporters argue this bill would update a few unclear and outdated provisions for the composition of the members of MCHAP, specifically the qualification criteria, the term limit of a member, and the removal of a member for cause. These changes will strengthen the stakeholder advisory group to ensure children’s access and quality of care in Medi-Cal is maintained and improved.
   
5. Opposition. The California Right to Life Committee, Inc. writes in opposition that the advisory panel would be using taxpayer’s dollars for policy considerations and not for actual health care services.

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:

Support: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO

California Coverage & Health Initiatives

Children’s Defense Fund-California

California School-Based Health Alliance

Children Now

United Ways of California

Oppose: California Right to Life Committee, Inc.

-- END --