As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Department of Managed Healthcare (DMHC) continue to closely monitor and assess appropriate next steps as well as release guidance to ensure the safety of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, health plan enrollees, medical providers, and California communities in general. The State of California understands that people with disabilities are concerned that medical providers might consider an individual’s disability status when determining which patients to treat if hospitals or other health care facilities experience a surge of patients needing life-saving care.

This joint bulletin reminds health care providers and payers that rationing care based on a person’s disability status is impermissible and unlawful under both federal and state law.

CLICK HERE to view the complete joint bulletin from the DHCS, CDPH, and the DMHC.