MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
[California] Medi-Cal members may not be charged for forms or for providing information
Anthem BCBS·CA·Provider Bulletin
We identified it
Sep 4, 2026
Summary
Effective immediately, Medi-Cal providers are prohibited from charging patients any fees for completing forms or providing information related to public benefit program eligibility claims or appeals. This applies to all Medi-Cal members and their representatives. Providers may continue charging for medical record copies (up to $0.25/page for paper, $0.50/page for microfilm, and reasonable fees for diagnostic films).
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and front desk staff must cease charging Medi-Cal members any fees for: (1) completing forms for public benefit program eligibility or appeals, (2) providing information to complete such forms, or (3) assisting representatives of Medi-Cal members with form completion. Update billing system to prevent form completion charges for Medi-Cal claims. Train billing staff and providers on this prohibition to ensure compliance. Continue to permit charges only for medical record copies per the specified limits (paper $0.25/page, microfilm $0.50/page, diagnostic films at actual cost). Non-compliance may result in regulatory violations under California H&S Code Section 123114.