Representatives from L.A. Care and Health Net joined hospital members from around the Los Angeles region for an update on the transition of seniors and persons with disabilities (SPDs) to managed care plans, which began June 1. 

The transition is mandatory for Medi-Cal recipients, and is being implemented over the next 12 months based on birth month.

The SPD rollout is projected to impact more than 340,000 eligible enrollees across California, with approximately 172,000 in the Los Angeles region. Among those impacted, 81 percent are disabled (including 14 to 15 percent from severe mental illness, and 21 percent who are developmentally disabled); 16.9 percent are aged; and 1.6 percent are blind. Forty-six percent will be 45 to 64 years of age.

In June, L.A. Care added 10,839 new enrollees, and Health Net expects nearly 70,000 over the next year. Although there were a large number of early enrollments, more than half of those eligible in the month of June were automatically assigned to a plan because they did not make a selection.

As the program is implemented, future considerations include expanding the provider network to meet the increased demand; creating specialized networks to address carve-out benefits like mental health and substance abuse; and ensuring members can access care in their area. A communications packet to help physicians and hospital staff answer questions about some of these considerations and the transition in general is available from L.A. Care.