A recent DHCS All-Plan Letter restated the responsibilities of managed care plan for providing medically necessary outpatient mental health services for those with mild to moderate impairments. The APL also states the plans’ responsibilities to members with severe mental health impairments, including when to coordinate and refer to county mental health plans for specialty mental health services. The letter clarifies responsibilities regarding children’s mental health services. Finally, the letter provides a description chart for a side-by-side comparison of eligibility and service obligations for managed care plans and county mental health plans.
DHCS APL 17-018 (October 27, 2017)