Medi-Cal: nonmedical transportation.

Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid Program provisions. Existing law provides for a schedule of benefits under the Medi-Cal program, which includes medical transportation services, subject to utilization controls. This bill, commencing July 1, 2017, would add to the schedule of benefits nonmedical transportation, as defined, subject to utilization controls and permissible time and distance standards, for a beneficiary to obtain covered Medi-Cal services. The bill would require these provisions to be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available, and not otherwise jeopardized, and any necessary federal approvals are obtained. The bill would specify that these provisions shall not be interpreted to add a new benefit to the Medi-Cal program, except as provided. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations by July 1, 2018. Commencing January 1, 2018, the bill would require the department to provide a status report to the Legislature on a semiannual basis until regulations have been adopted.