Medi-Cal and Managed Care: Risk, Costs, and Regional Variation

Publication Date: December 2000

Publisher: Public Policy Institute of California

Author(s): Edmund R. Becker; Janet M. Bronstein; E. Kathleen Adams

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

California has launched a new effort to expand the use of managed care within Medi-Cal. Under the “two-plan” model, enrollees in 11 counties must choose either a private commercial plan or one organized and operated by the county. The implementation of this model has raised several questions about the fit between Medi-Cal and private managed care. This study analyzes and compares the resources used by Medi-Cal enrollees and a sample of privately insured employees. It also investigates Medi-Cal resource use by county, thereby allowing for regional comparisons. It finds that the two-plan model is practical, but that risk-adjusted rates for short-term and high-risk Medi-Cal clients may improve its long-term success.