June 15, 2026

Program Updates

Children and Youth Evidence-Based Practices and Community-Defined Evidence Practices Resource Guide

On June 11, DHCS released the Children and Youth Evidence-Based Practices and Community-Defined Evidence Practices (EBP/CDEP) Resource Guide. Developed with robust input from more than 70 stakeholders, the guide serves as a centralized resource to help providers navigate funding pathways for EBPs and CDEPs through Medi-Cal. The guide is particularly helpful for community-based organizations, schools, counties, and other entities interested in seeking Medi-Cal reimbursement for their behavioral health services. It outlines Medi-Cal billing options for EBPs and CDEPs supported through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), and Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiative. Additionally, the guide consolidates information on 43 EBPs, provides reimbursement considerations for CDEPs, and offers strategies for leveraging existing Medi-Cal authorities. For more information, please see DHCS’ December 11, 2025, presentation on the EBP/CDEP Resource Guide.

Join Our Team

DHCS is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as:

• Deputy Director, Audits and Investigations (A&I). The Deputy Director of A&I leads all aspects of specified A&I functions, which include, but are not limited to, investigations, financial audits, and reviews of departmental programs and expenditures. The Deputy Director of A&I also serves as an advisor to the Director and Executive staff in matters of extreme sensitivity to the Department, its programs, and its provider and member communities. Applications must be submitted by June 22.

DHCS is also hiring for its Health Care Financing, Accounting, 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.

Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee Webinar

On June 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the next Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee (QEAC) meeting (advance registration required). During this public webinar, committee members will collaborate and provide feedback on DHCS’ ongoing efforts to measure and evaluate the quality and efficacy of behavioral health services and programs in California. Public participation is encouraged. Attendees can provide direct input to DHCS using the Q&A feature. For more information about QEAC webinars and additional resources, visit the Behavioral Health Transformation Stakeholder Engagement webpage. Questions? Email BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov.

Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council Meeting

Please note the date change: On June 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the quarterly Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council meeting via public webinar. The Voices and Vision Council is a unique space where Medi-Cal members, Medi-Cal health plans, providers, community-based organizations, and state/county partners come together to provide direct input to the DHCS leadership team. For more information, please visit the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council webpage or email VoicesandVisionCouncil@dhcs.ca.gov.

CalABLE and Social Security Webinar

On June 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE) will host a webinar to provide an overview of how CalABLE works with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits (advance registration required). CalABLE is a savings and investment program for people with disabilities. The webinar will cover CalABLE basics, what SSDI and Supplemental Security Income benefits are, requirements for receiving disability benefits, and Social Security resources. Please contact CalABLE with any questions.

Hospice Benefit Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting

On July 21, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the Hospice benefit quarterly stakeholder meeting to provide important updates about Medi-Cal-covered hospice services, including policy and system changes, as well as offer an open forum for questions and feedback. For questions or more information, please email MCHospiceClerk@DHCS.ca.gov.

Medi-Cal Doula Benefit Townhall Meeting

On August 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a Medi-Cal doula benefit townhall meeting for Medi-Cal members, providers, community partners, and stakeholders (virtual via Microsoft Teams and in person at 1500 Capitol Avenue (Auditorium), Sacramento). This forum will share important updates on Medi-Cal doula services and provide a space for shared learning, discussion, and questions. The webinar is open to all interested parties, and we encourage broad participation as we discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen Medi-Cal doula services and improve access, quality, and Medi-Cal member experience. Please email any questions to DoulaBenefit@dhcs.ca.gov.

In Case You Missed It

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) 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. 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.

Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference: Registration Now Open

On May 1, DHCS opened registration for the 20^th 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.