Low-income California Seniors to Move into New Managed Care Plan

In a major shift triggered by the national healthcare law, nearly half a million low-income California seniors and disabled patients will begin moving into a new managed care program this fall.

The patients, who receive both Medi-Cal and Medicare, are among the most costly in the state. Officials believe that the program, Cal MediConnect, will reduce spending and improve care by shifting the patients out of a fragmented system and into one that is more coordinated.

The state and the federal government signed an agreement Wednesday officially establishing a test program for the patients, known as dual eligibles.

"We believe it will transform the state's healthcare system," Health and Human Services Secretary Diana Dooley said.

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Los Angeles Times

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