(a)
Pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the department may contract with one or more prepaid health plans in order to provide the benefits authorized under this chapter and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of this part. The department may contract with one or more children’s hospitals on an exclusive basis for a specified population in a specified geographic area. Contracts entered into pursuant to this chapter may be awarded on a bid or nonbid basis.
(b)
In order to achieve maximum cost savings the Legislature hereby determines that expedited contract process for contracts under this chapter is necessary. Therefore, contracts under this chapter shall be exempt from
Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.
(c)
The department shall amend contracts with dental health plans in effect on the date the act that added this subdivision and Section 14459.6 become effective to provide Medi-Cal dental services authorized under this chapter and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) to Medi-Cal beneficiaries who reside in a specified geographic area to meet the requirements of Sections 14089.09 and 14459.6.