On January 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a news release detailing the Department’s work to expand support for Medi-Cal members impacted by the Southern California wildfires. DHCS swiftly implemented key administrative flexibilities to protect Medi-Cal members in affected regions of the state. These efforts included simplified Medi-Cal enrollment and renewal processes, waived requirements to access prescription medications and medical devices and other flexibilities to ensure all Medi-Cal members have access to care during this emergency. Additionally, DHCS is actively seeking further federal flexibilities to expand support for impacted Medi-Cal members and providers.
Also in California, beginning January 17, the federal Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for specific zip codes in California to help uninsured residents replace prescription medicines and/or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in the 2025 Los Angeles Fires. EPAP has been activated through March 15, 2025. To locate participating pharmacies, visit EPAP Enrolled Pharmacies.
Also in California, on January 17, DHCS began hosting a weekly Medi-Cal Rx Pediatric Integration webinar. Webinars will be held every Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm PST to support partner readiness. Partners, including pharmacy providers and prescribers, should plan to attend a webinar prior to the implementation of Medi-Cal Rx Pediatric Integration on January 31. More information is available on the Medi-Cal Rx Education & Outreach webpage.
Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following alerts and weekly notice on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal:
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.