About Us

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is a department within the California Health and Human Services Agency.  DHCS’ mission is to preserve and improve the health status of all Californians.  DHCS works closely with health care professionals, county governments and health plans to provide a health care safety net for California’s low-income and persons with disabilities.

DHCS finances and administers a number of individual health care service delivery programs, including the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal), California Children’s Services program, Child Health and Disability Prevention program and Genetically Handicapped Persons Program.   DHCS also helps maintain the financial viability of critical specialized care services, such as burn centers, trauma centers and children’s specialty hospitals.  In addition, DHCS funding helps hospitals and clinics located in underserved areas and those serving underserved populations. 

DHCS programs are designed to:

·        deliver health care services to low-income persons and families who meet defined eligibility requirements;

·        emphasize prevention-oriented health care measures that promote health and well-being;

·        ensure access to comprehensive health services through the use of public and private resources; and

·        ensure appropriate and effective expenditure of public resources to serve those with the greatest health care needs.