Bill
SB 250
SB 250 ensures skilled nursing facilities are included in the Medi-Cal provider directory, improving access to care for low-income beneficiaries in California.
Bill Number: SB 250
Introduced: January 30, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 309, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Ochoa Bogh
Subject: Medi-Cal, Provider Directory, Skilled Nursing Facilities
SB 250 aims to enhance the accessibility of information regarding skilled nursing facilities for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The bill mandates the inclusion of skilled nursing facilities in the Medi-Cal provider directory, which is essential for low-income individuals seeking healthcare services under the Medi-Cal program.
Inclusion of Skilled Nursing Facilities:
The bill requires the State Department of Health Care Services to include skilled nursing facilities as a searchable provider type in the online Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Care Options directory. This directory lists accepted Medi-Cal managed care plans.
Annual Updates:
The department is mandated to update the provider directory annually to ensure that the information remains accurate and accessible to the public.
Implementation Coordination:
The inclusion of skilled nursing facilities in the directory will be implemented alongside existing provisions related to the Medi-Cal managed care program, ensuring comprehensive access to healthcare options for beneficiaries.
Definitions:
The bill provides specific definitions for "Medi-Cal managed care plan" and "skilled nursing facility," aligning them with existing legal definitions in the Welfare and Institutions Code and the Health and Safety Code.
Beneficiaries:
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are low-income individuals enrolled in the Medi-Cal program who require skilled nursing services. By making this information readily available, the bill aims to improve their access to necessary healthcare services.
Healthcare Providers:
Skilled nursing facilities will be highlighted in the Medi-Cal provider directory, potentially increasing their visibility to beneficiaries and enhancing patient referrals.
Public Access to Information:
The annual updates to the provider directory will ensure that all stakeholders, including beneficiaries and healthcare providers, have access to the most current information regarding available services.
Legislative Journey:
SB 250 was referred to the Senate Health Committee and underwent several readings and amendments before being approved by the Governor on October 3, 2025. The bill passed with a majority vote in both the Assembly and Senate.
Implementation Timeline:
The provisions of the bill will be implemented in conjunction with existing Medi-Cal managed care provisions, ensuring a smooth integration into the current system.
SB 250 represents a significant step toward improving healthcare access for Medi-Cal beneficiaries by ensuring that skilled nursing facilities are included in the provider directory. This legislative change is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Medi-Cal program and support the healthcare needs of low-income individuals in California.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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