Welfare and Institutions Code section 14186.3
(a)
A Medi-Cal managed care plan may elect to offer Medi-Cal covered services through an in-network, contracted field medicine provider pursuant to this article.(b)
A Medi-Cal managed care plan that elects to offer Medi-Cal covered services through an in-network, contracted field medicine provider shall allow a Medi-Cal member who is experiencing homelessness to receive those services directly from an in-network, contracted field medicine provider, regardless of the member’s in-network assignment, such as primary care provider (PCP) or independent practice association (IPA) assignment.(c)
(1)A Medi-Cal managed care plan that elects to offer Medi-Cal covered services through an in-network, contracted field medicine provider shall allow an in-network, contracted field medicine provider enrolled in the Medi-Cal program to directly refer a member who is experiencing homelessness for covered services, including specialist, diagnostic services, medications, durable medical equipment, transportation, or other medically necessary covered services, within the appropriate network of the Medi-Cal managed care plan or in-network IPA.(2)
The Medi-Cal managed care plan or IPA shall create referral and authorization mechanisms in order to facilitate the referrals described in paragraph (1).(d)
Medi-Cal managed care plans contracting with field medicine providers pursuant to this section shall have appropriate mechanisms, procedures, or protocols to ensure timely communication between the in-network, contracted field medicine provider, the Medi-Cal member’s plan or IPA, and the member’s assigned primary care provider for purposes of care coordination and to prevent the duplication of services.(e)
(1)A Medi-Cal managed care plan shall provide a method for a Medi-Cal member to inform the Medi-Cal managed care plan online, in person, or via telephone that the member is experiencing homelessness.(2)
The department shall inform a Medi-Cal managed care plan if a Medi-Cal member has indicated that they are experiencing homelessness based on information furnished on the Medi-Cal application.(f)
In the case of a Medi-Cal beneficiary who is experiencing homelessness and who receives services within the fee-for-service delivery system, the department shall reimburse a field medicine provider enrolled in the Medi-Cal program for providing Medi-Cal covered services.
Source:
Section 14186.3, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC§ionNum=14186.3. (updated Jan. 1, 2026; accessed Dec. 29, 2025).
