It is the purpose of this article to ensure that the Medi-Cal program is operated in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible by assuring that beneficiaries have early and ongoing access to identified sources of quality primary care who have agreed to accept Medi-Cal patients. In so doing, it is intended to optimally realize the quality of care and health care financing benefits demonstrated by the experience of successful commercial managed care plans when patients affiliate with a single, specified primary care provider and management of patient

care is placed within the control of the responsible primary care provider.