The California Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced that the backlog of Medi-Cal provider applications has been reduced to about 3,000. Last year, there were more than 11,000 physicians waiting for Medi-Cal approval, with an average wait of six months. Today, after the state hired management consultants and temporarily redirected staff, the average wait is just 35 days.

CMA this year sponsored a bill (SB 1353) that would have expedited the provider enrollment process to avoid future backlogs. Specifically, the bill would have shortened the time that DHS has to process provider applications, and authorized Medi-Cal to expedite enrollment using a new short-form application for Medicare providers and physicians with privileges at acute care hospitals. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed the bill, saying it could create opportunities for fraud.

While CMA is pleased that the state has reduced the provider application backlog, the association will continue to advocate for increased efficiency in the Medi-Cal provider enrollment process.

Contact: Sandra Bressler, 415/882-5171 or sbressler@cmanet.org.