Medi-Cal Mental Health Policy (MCMHP): Field Tests

In addition to the Medi-Cal consolidation waiver program, there are mental health managed care field tests currently operating in California that test managed care concepts. For example, in San Mateo County, effective April 1, 1995, all Medi-Cal specialty mental health services were fully consolidated under the county mental health department thus piloting consolidation of both inpatient and outpatient services. Many of the findings of the San Mateo pilot were incorporated into the plan for full statewide consolidation. Beginning on July 1, 1998, the San Mateo County MHP began field testing the acceptance of additional financial risk of federal reimbursement based on all inclusive case rates for Medi-Cal inpatient hospital and outpatient services. In May 1994, Solano County Mental Health became a subcontractor on a capitated basis to their County Operated Health System (COHS) for all specialty mental health services that were previously provided under FFS/MC. The Solano County Mental Health field test has focused on management information systems needs, medical necessity standards, techniques for managing the scope of benefits, and systems of care design in a fully capitated environment.