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Reminder: Medi-Cal Providers May Not Charge Members to Complete Forms or Provide Information
Act
immediately
Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Aug 14, 2026
Summary
Medi-Cal providers are prohibited from charging patients any fees for completing forms or providing information needed to support claims or appeals for public benefit program eligibility. This is a reminder of existing California Health & Safety Code Section 123114 requirements, as DHCS has observed an increase in improper fee-charging practices.
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What to do
immediately · 5 steps
01Billing team and front desk staff must review current practices to ensure NO fees are being charged to Medi-Cal members for: completing eligibility forms, prior authorization forms, appeal documentation, or providing supporting information for benefit eligibility claims.
02Audit all current fee schedules and patient intake forms in billing system and paper processes.
03Remove any language or procedures that charge patients for form completion or information provision.
04Train all staff on this prohibition.
05Communicate policy to all providers.
If missed: Failure to comply risks legal penalties under California Health & Safety Code Section 123114 and member complaints to DHCS.
Original notice
Reminder: Medi-Cal Providers May Not Charge Members to Complete Forms or Provide Information
mcweb.apps.prd.cammis.medi-cal.ca.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.