In most cases, Medi-Cal health plans will determine a member is qualified to receive ECM and assign an ECM provider that will then reach out to the member to see if they would like to receive the benefit. If the member agrees to receive the benefit, the ECM provider will begin services. A member is not required to receive the ECM benefit, even if they qualify.

Medi-Cal health plans will assign an ECM provider to a member based on their needs. If a member’s primary care provider or behavioral health provider is affiliated with an ECM provider organization, the member will most likely be assigned to that ECM provider. If one of the member’s primary providers is not part of an ECM provider organization, the assigned ECM provider must coordinate with the member’s existing providers. A member can also choose a different ECM provider if they want.