What do changes in Medi-Cal mean for me? Will this change my access to care?

For those enrolled in Medi-Cal during the transition to Managed Care in November, notifications were sent out asking participants to choose a plan, either Anthem Blue Cross or California Health and Wellness. If participants did not respond to the plan choice notice, a plan was selected for them.

Participants were also assigned a primary care provider but have the option to select a different provider within their plan. If the provider or clinic of choice is not in the current plan, participants have the ability to switch plans. This is an important choice as your primary care provider will help manage and coordinate your care should you require specialty or ancillary care.

Sonora Regional Medical Center is contracted with both Anthem Blue Cross and California Health and Wellness to provide care for Medi-Cal patients. However, provider coverage varies under each plan and California Health and Wellness is preferred.

A clear benefit of this transition is the return of dental services which will once again be covered under Medi-Cal. In 2009, state budget cuts reduced dental coverage for adults to emergency services only with no coverage for preventive or restorative care.