Stakeholder News – May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is providing this update on significant developments regarding DHCS programs.
Top News
Public Comment Period for CalAIM 1915(b) Waiver
On May 21, DHCS launched 30-day public and Tribal comment periods (through 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 20, 2026) to gather feedback on its plan to submit a five-year renewal application for the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1915(b) waiver, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2026. The renewal builds on prior efforts to align Medi-Cal’s managed care delivery systems under a unified authority and reflects DHCS’ continued commitment to improving outcomes, strengthening accountability, and advancing equity across the program. It seeks to continue existing authorities while advancing a targeted change to streamline behavioral health by integrating specialty mental health and substance use disorder services into a single delivery system. To support stakeholder understanding, DHCS posted a high-level overview of the CalAIM 1915(b) renewal application, outlining core components and key policies governing delivery systems authorized under the waiver. Additional details are available on the DHCS CalAIM 1115 Demonstration and 1915(b) Waiver webpage.
Join Our Team
DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, Health Care Financing, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars
DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on its Calendar of Events. DHCS provides free assistive services, including language interpretation, real-time captioning, and meeting materials in alternate formatting. To request services, please email the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@dhcs.ca.gov at least ten working days before the meeting.
Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series
On May 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar (advance registration required) to provide an overview of the Birthing Care Pathway, a comprehensive Medi-Cal initiative supporting pregnant and postpartum members from conception through 12 months postpartum. Spanish translation and live captions will be available. Coverage Ambassadors are trusted messengers who help raise awareness about Medi-Cal benefits, enrollment opportunities, and new initiatives aimed at building a healthier California for all. Visit the Coverage Ambassador website for more information, including how to subscribe to receive regular updates, newsletters, and webinar reminders.
Protect Access to Health Care Act (PAHCA) SAC Meeting
On May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the PAHCA-SAC meeting (advance registration required for online participation) at 1700 K Street (First Floor Conference Room 17.1014), Sacramento. The committee is responsible for advising DHCS on developing and implementing components of the Protect Access to Health Care Act of 2024 (Proposition 35). Please see the DHCS website for more information, and email your questions to DHCSPAHCA@dhcs.ca.gov.
Smile, California Mobile Dental Van Event (Plumas County)
On June 1 and 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, Smile, California mobile dental van events will be held in Plumas County to provide free dental services, including x-rays, cleanings, and sealants, to community members. The van will be located at 372 Main Street in Chester, California. Families may call 1-888-585-3368 to schedule an appointment, pre-register, and complete the consent forms ahead of time, and they may visit SmileCalifornia.org for more details. Smile, California is DHCS’ Medi-Cal Dental education and outreach campaign designed to help more than 14 million members access and use their dental benefits.
In Case You Missed It
MediCal Reentry Services Expand Health Care Access
The California Health Care Foundation recently highlighted how Medi-Cal’s Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative is improving continuity of care for people leaving jails and prisons. Through CalAIM, counties like Yuba and Sutter are coordinating medical, behavioral health, and social services before release, ensuring individuals have medications, appointments, and connections to housing and food supports. Early results show thousands enrolled prerelease and more than 159,000 services delivered in the program’s first year. We’re sharing this resource to help stakeholders understand how coordinated reentry care strengthens health outcomes, promotes equity, and supports long-term stability in communities.
Governor’s 2026-27 May Revision Proposal
The Governor’s proposed May Revision for DHCS’ 2026–27 budget totals $223.2 billion ($45.7 billion General Fund). The budget maintains the State’s commitment to protecting access to care for more than 14 million Californians while responsibly adjusting to federal policy changes and fiscal pressures. The proposal supports core Medi-Cal services while continuing targeted reforms to strengthen behavioral health and advance efforts to promote stability and support a person-centered care system. Please see the DHCS 2026-27 May Revision Budget page for more information.
DHCS Website Migrated to a New Platform
On May 20, the DHCS website moved to a more secure, accessible platform that aligns with statewide CA.gov design standards. This is part of a multiyear modernization initiative designed to improve how Californians access health care information. While the site’s visual design and homepage received a refreshed look, navigation remains familiar, and all existing content migrated to ensure continuity for partners, providers, county staff, and the public. All current URLs and bookmarks continue to work through comprehensive redirect mapping. Partners are encouraged to check their frequently used DHCS links and report any issues using the “Website Feedback” button on the bottom of every web page to ensure uninterrupted access to critical resources.
CalAIM Section 1115 Waiver Renewal Request Submitted
On May 11, DHCS submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services a five-year renewal request of the CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration waiver. The renewal builds on the successes of CalAIM by continuing existing initiatives and introduces targeted new supports to deliver more coordinated, person-centered, and value-based care for Medi-Cal members. Please visit the DHCS CalAIM 1115 Demonstration & 1915(b) Waiver webpage for more information.
Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference: Registration Now Open
On May 1, DHCS opened registration for the 20th annual Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Integrated Care Conference, which will take place on August 25-27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Convention Center. This three-day conference is designed for behavioral health researchers, administrators, policy staff, advocates, and professionals in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Early bird registration is available through July 31. For questions about the SUD Conference, please email DHCSPrevention@dhcs.ca.gov.