July 13, 2026

Top News

CalHHS Provides HR 1 Updates

On July 9, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson, DHCS Director Michelle Baass, and California Department of Social Services Director Jennifer Troia hosted a webinar, “How Federal Policy Changes are Impacting a Healthy California for All.” The discussion focused on the effects of recent federal policy changes, including HR 1, on California’s health care programs. Speakers highlighted CalHHS mitigation efforts, shared the latest developments in Medi-Cal, including new work and community engagement requirements, and outlined key HR 1 changes reflected in the 2026-27 State Budget. The webinar also covered important CalFresh changes. CalHHS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Californians and maintaining strong support for the State’s health and social services programs. Stakeholders are encouraged to watch for forthcoming guidance and prepare for operational adjustments. For additional details, please view the full presentation. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in serving communities across California.

Join Our Team

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

• Deputy Director and Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals (OAHA). The Deputy Director and Chief ALJ oversees and has full decision-making authority for all OAHA program functions for DHCS and is responsible for ensuring that all proceedings and decisions resulting from both formal and informal hearings are conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and all applicable laws and regulations. Applications must be submitted by July 16.

DHCS is also hiring for its Investigations, 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.

California Children’s Services Advisory Group Meeting

On July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the quarterly California Children’s Services (CCS) Advisory Group Meeting. Those interested are encouraged to join the meeting in person at 1700 K Street, Sacramento or online. DHCS and the CCS Advisory Group partner to ensure children and youth in the CCS/Whole Child Model program receive appropriate and timely access to quality care. Agenda topics include discussions about the upcoming transition from managed care to fee-for-service (FFS) for members with some immigration statuses that do not qualify for the federal Medicaid program, HR 1 work and community engagement requirements, DHCS Service Authorization Requests, CCS provider paneling and facility review processes, Medi-Cal Rx ICD-10, and CCS program updates. Additional information and meeting details are available on the CCS Advisory Group webpage. Please email any questions to CCSProgram@dhcs.ca.gov.

Proposition 64 Advisory Group Meeting

On July 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the Proposition 64 Advisory Group meeting (advance registration required). The agenda includes status updates on the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention, and Treatment Account-funded projects, Round 8 contract for Elevate Youth California (EYC), and EYC annual report and evaluation. Additional materials are posted on the Prop 64 Advisory Group webpage. Please email any questions to DHCSProp64@dhcs.ca.gov.

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.

What’s New in STIs: Testing, Treatment, and Prevention Updates Webinar

On July 23, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS’ Office of Family Planning will host the What’s New in STIs: Testing, Treatment, and Prevention Updates webinar (advanced registration required). This webinar will discuss available at-home testing options for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer, treatment updates for Mycoplasma genitalium and gonorrhea, and STI prevention updates for both sexually transmitted Shigella and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP). For those unable to attend the live webinar, a transcript and recording, along with additional resources, will be available on the Family PACT website.

Ordering, Referring, and Prescribing Requirements: Stakeholder Town Hall

On July 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a town hall webinar (advance registration required) to explain ordering, referring, and prescribing (ORP) enrollment requirements for claims across both pharmacy (Medi-Cal Rx) and medical (CA-MMIS) billing systems. Federal law requires providers who order, refer, or prescribe services for Medi-Cal members to be enrolled in Medi-Cal and identified on claims using a valid Type 1 National Provider Identifier. The webinar will explain this requirement, clarify what prescribers and providers must do to achieve or stay in compliance, and gather questions from stakeholders. To meet the ORP requirements responsibly, DHCS is taking a measured, data-driven approach that emphasizes outreach, provider education, and early enrollment support before full claim edit enforcement begins. This approach protects timely access to medications and medical services while DHCS works closely with plans, providers, vendors, and stakeholders to maintain alignment across pharmacy and medical systems. DHCS will continue to share updates as planning moves forward.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series

On July 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar to provide a high-level overview of the transition of members with unsatisfactory immigration status to fee-for-service (advanced registration required). Spanish interpretation 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.

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.