July 20, 2026

Top News

Joint Statement on New Federal Public Charge Rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule regarding public charge determinations. California Health and Human Services leaders announced they are reviewing the federal government’s new rule and assessing its impacts on families and communities across the state. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, and importantly, any means‑tested public benefits received before that date will not count against immigrants under the new policy. While previous types of assistance will still be considered, federal agencies plan to issue interim guidance soon.

State leaders emphasize that the rule may create confusion and discourage eligible families from seeking critical services, urging Californians to rely on trusted sources, beware of scams, and consult qualified immigration legal providers. They reaffirm California’s commitment to supporting immigrant communities, noting ongoing statewide efforts, including regional hubs and partnerships with community organizations, to ensure families understand the changes and feel safe accessing needed services.

Program Updates

Community Supports Policy Guide: Public Comment Period

On July 20, DHCS released proposed updates to the Community Supports Policy Guide: Volume 1 and select housing‑related Community Supports updates in Policy Guide: Volume 2 for public comment through July 31. The updates reflect program improvements since 2022 and aim to strengthen clarity, consistency, program integrity, and appropriate utilization. Volume 1 updates include streamlined administrative guidance, clearer service definitions, improved coding direction, alignment with managed care plan contract language, and refinements related to In-Home Supportive Services and medical necessity criteria. Volume 2 updates reflect targeted housing-related changes informed by the CalAIM 1115 waiver renewal, including the transition of Recuperative Care to managed care In Lieu of Services authority, the sunset of Short-term Post Hospitalization Housing at the end of 2026, and refinements to Housing Transition Navigation Services and Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services to improve alignment and oversight.

DHCS welcomes stakeholder feedback on all proposals. Comments are due by July 31 to CommunitySupports@dhcs.ca.gov using one of these subject lines: “Feedback on the Community Supports Policy Guide: Volume 1 Updates” or “Feedback on the Community Supports Housing‑Related Updates.” Documents are available on the Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Resources webpage and DHCS Housing for Health webpage.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its Stakeholder Engagement, Investigations, Data Analytics, 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.

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 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.

Smile, California Mobile Dental Van Events

On July 28 and 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, mobile dental van events will be held in Lassen County to provide free dental services. The van will be located at the Lassen County Public Health Department at 1445 Paul Bunyan Road, Unit B, in Susanville. The mobile dental van will offer preventive and restorative services, such as exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride varnish applications, and simple extractions. Families may call 1-888-585-3368 or visit SmileCalifornia.org to schedule an appointment, pre-register, and complete the consent forms ahead of time. 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.

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 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 for 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 in the auditorium at 1500 Capitol Avenue, 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

CalHHS Provided 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. For additional details, please view the full presentation.