A January 2020 report from the California State Auditor found the failure to test for lead within the Medi-Cal program is concentrated in just 15% of the state’s communities, and testing has not increased much in the past 20 years despite state and federal requirements. Read more from CalMatters.
The Department of Health Care Services agreed with most of the audit’s findings and promised to do more “to ensure that required blood lead tests are occurring.”
In a statement, Acting Director Richard Figueroa said the agency expects to implement outreach campaigns by March to better inform Medi-Cal families about lead testing. By June, he said, managed plans will be required to identify all the children who have not been tested and remind their medical providers about the testing requirement. By the end of the year, Figueroa said the agency expects to have established a plan to improve and better enforce screening requirements.
If you have questions about lead testing in the Medi-Cal program, please call the Health Consumer Alliance at 888‑804‑3536 for a free, confidential consultation and information. TTY 877‑735‑2929.
