The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) changed your pharmacy benefit effective January 1, 2022. Your prescription medications are now covered by “Medi-Cal Rx”. This does not change your Medi-Cal eligibility or benefits.
If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal Rx may cover prescriptions that Medicare does not, so you should talk to your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
What changed
You now get your Medi-Cal covered prescriptions through Medi-Cal Rx instead of Kern Family Health Care (KFHC).
DHCS is working with a new contractor, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc. (Magellan) to provide Medi-Cal pharmacy services.
What did not change
There are no changes in how you pay for your medications. For most Medi-Cal beneficiaries, there is no cost. You will not need a different ID card for Medi-Cal Rx.
What you need to do
KFHC, your doctors and pharmacies know about the changes and know what to do. Because of this, most people in Medi-Cal will not need to do anything.
Most people are able to use the same pharmacy they used before January 1, 2022. If your pharmacy does not work with Medi-Cal Rx, you may need to choose another pharmacy.
Questions and answers
Will I need to change my medication?
Most people will not have to change their medications. The list of drugs that require prior approval may be different than the list KFHC used. Your doctor may need to get approval to refill prescriptions. He or she may talk to you about changing to a medication that does not require prior approval.
Will my pharmacy change?
Most pharmacies will accept your new coverage. You can call the Medi-Cal Member Help Line 1.800.541.5555, TTY 1.800.430.7077 to ask if your pharmacy will accept Medi-Cal Rx. If your pharmacy does not work with Medi-Cal RX, you may need to choose a new pharmacy.
If you need help finding a pharmacy, use the Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Locator online at www.Medi-CalRx.dhcs.ca.gov or call Customer Service at 1.800.977.2273 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week or 711 for TTY Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm.
What happens now?
Always bring your KFHC Member ID Card and your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) with you. Bring your Medi-Cal BIC card when you go to the pharmacy. The pharmacy will use the card to look up your information and give you your medications.
What if I have more questions?
- You can call the Medi-Cal Rx Call Center Line 1.800.977.2273 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, or 711 for TTY, Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- You can also email DHCS at RxCarveOut@dhcs.ca.gov. Make sure to write that you have a question about Medi-Cal Rx. Please do NOT include personal information in your first email. DHCS staff will reply with a secure email asking for your information, if they need that information to assist you.
What happens if I have a complaint?
Magellan will accept and resolve your complaint. You can submit a complaint either in writing or by telephone.
- Visit www.Medi-CalRx.dhcs.ca.gov or
- Call Customer Service at 1.800.977.2273
KFHC no longer handles pharmacy complaints for pharmacy services received.
How can I appeal a Medi-Cal Rx benefit decision?
The California Department of Social Services has a State Hearing process if you want to appeal a pharmacy benefit decision. This process is different from the appeals process you may have used with your health plan. In a State Hearing, a judge reviews your request with clinical input from DHCS pharmacists to make sure the decision aligns with Medi-Cal pharmacy policy.
If a prescription is denied or changed, a form to request a State Hearing will automatically be sent to you with the notice of denial or change. If you do not agree with a denial or change related to your pharmacy services and benefits under Medi-Cal Rx, you can ask for a State Hearing. You can ask for a State Hearing by sending the State Hearing request form to:
California Department of Social Services
State Hearings Division
P.O. Box 944243, MS 19-37
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430
You may also call to ask for a State Hearing by calling toll-free at 1.800.952.5253 (TTY: 1.800.952.8349. Please note that the number can be very busy so you may get a message to call back later.
You can get more information about the State Hearing Process by going to www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/Medi-CalFairHearing.aspx.
You can also get the State Hearing request form by going to www.Medi-CalRx.dhcs.ca.gov or by calling Customer Service at 1.800.977.2273 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, or 711 for TTY Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm.
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