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California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan. The county you live in determines your new health plan. Learn more

News

19-241 AB 2193 Requires Maternal Mental Health Screening

Date: 03/22/19

Applies to licensed practitioners who provide prenatal or postpartum care

Beginning July 1, 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 2193 requires licensed health care practitioners who provide prenatal or postpartum care for a patient to screen or offer to screen mothers for maternal mental health conditions.

Providers serving California Health & Wellness Plan (CHWP) members can use one of the following screening tools:

  • Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
  • Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

You can refer members with a positive screen to CHWP’s Case Management Department for further assistance with the member’s mental health needs. To make a referral, contact CHWP at 1-877-658-0305 and ask for Case Management.

PREGNANCY PROGRAM

AB 2193 also requires health care service plans and health insurers to develop a maternal mental health program. The program must be consistent with sound clinical principles and processes.

CHWP offers a pregnancy program to pregnant members. The program provides customized support and care needed for a healthy pregnancy and baby. It helps pregnant members access medical care, educates them about their health care needs and assists with social needs and concerns. The program uses the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess for mental health needs of pregnant members and facilitates referrals to a mental health specialist as needed.

Refer members to the pregnancy program by contacting CHWP at 1-877-658-0305 and asking for Case Management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Relevant sections of the provider operations manuals have been revised to reflect the information contained in this update as applicable. The provider operations manual is available in the Provider Resources section of the provider website at www.CAHealthWellness.com.

Providers are encouraged to access CHWP’s provider portal online at www.CAHealthWellness.com for real-time information, including eligibility verification, claims status, prior authorization status, plan summaries, and more.

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact CHWP at 1-877-658-0305.