4260 Department of Health Care Services
Major Program Changes
  • Implementation of SB 437 - The Governor's Budget includes $35.9 million ($16.9 million General Fund) and 10 positions in 2007-08 for SB 437 implementation activities and enrollment increases in the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB). For DHCS, Medi-Cal will implement a pilot program for applicant self-certification of income in two counties by July 1, 2007. This pilot is expected to increase Medi-Cal enrollment by 16,472 children in 2007-08.

  • California Discount Prescription Drug Program - The Governor's Budget includes $8.8 million and 16 positions to implement the California Discount Prescription Drug Program, which will deliver prescription drugs at prices 40 to 60 percent below retail prices for generic and brand name drugs to individuals in families with incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (currently, $29,400 for an individual and $60,000 for a family of four), to individuals who have significant unreimbursed medical expenses and incomes that fall below the state median family income (currently, $68,310 for a family of four) or, upon federal approval, eligible seniors whose drugs are not covered by Medicare. The Governor's Budget also includes $86,000 and one position for ongoing maintenance of the California Rx Prescription Drug web site, which will provide information to Californians about the options available for obtaining prescription drugs at affordable prices. The DHCS will use redirected staff to develop and implement the web site by summer 2007.

  • Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations (HPV) -The Governor's Budget includes $11.3 million ($5.6 million General Fund) in 2007-08 to provide HPV to approximately 52,000 Medi-Cal-eligible women ages 19 through 26. The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved this new vaccine, which has been shown to reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer by up to 70 percent.

  • Nursing Facility A/B Waiver Cap Increase - The Governor's Budget provides $9.3 million ($4.6 million General Fund) to raise the Nursing Facility A waiver cap from $24,551 to $29,548 and the Nursing Facility B waiver cap from $35,948 to $48,180, effective July 1, 2007. The Nursing Facility A/B Waiver is a federal home- and community-based services waiver that provides services and support to Medi-Cal beneficiaries to allow them to remain in their home and avoid institutional placement. These services are a critical component to the state's efforts to implement the Olmstead court decision.