Whole Child Model Family Advisory Case Study

In 2016, California Senate Bill (SB) 586 created the CCS Whole Child Model (WCM) for CCS-eligible children enrolled in Medi-Cal in 21 counties served by five County Organized Health Systems: CalOptima, CenCal Health, Central California Alliance for Health, Health Plan of San Mateo, and Partnership HealthPlan of California. Under the WCM, these health plans provide integrated Medi-Cal and CCS services to children enrolled in both programs. The WCM also marks the first time Medi-Cal managed care health plans have been statutorily required to create Family Advisory Committees (FACs). The purpose of the FACs is to ensure that the health plans engage with CCS families and caregivers to bring their voices into the design, implementation, and ongoing management of the WCM, as well as the care provided to CCS enrollees. This case study aims to capture lessons learned in the establishment and management of the FACs during the early phases of WCM implementation and to provide recommendations to help ensure the FACs are effective over time. 

The case study process included individual, structured interviews with staff from each of the five WCM health plans, FAC family representatives, and other stakeholders, including CCS county staff and community advocates. Respondents provided additional information via e-mail on any changes made to the FACs over the 6-12 months following the initial interviews. Lessons and themes garnered from the interviews offer insights into the varied approaches to establishing and managing the FACs and impacts the FACs have had on health plan operations. Recommendations address recruitment, training, resources, and other components that could contribute to meaningful engagement and sustainability of the FACs over time.