region/plan-specific news : California

Prepare to offer non-urgent follow-up appointments within 10 business days of prior appointment, starting July 1, 2022

Per California Senate Bill 221, effective July 1, 2022, non-physician mental health and substance use disorder providers must offer health plan and other managed care members non-urgent follow-up appointments within 10 business days of the prior appointment for those undergoing a course of treatment for an ongoing mental health or substance use disorder condition.

This new requirement is delineated in Magellan's California handbook supplement (PDF), see section 3, Member Access to Care—Appointment Access Standards.

*In California, Magellan does business as Human Affairs International of California, Inc. and/or Magellan Health Services of California, Inc. – Employer Services.