August 3, 2026

Program Updates

Population Health Management Policy Guide Updated

On July 31, DHCS updated and clarified the Population Health Management (PHM) Policy Guide. Revisions include updates to Transitional Care Services (TCS), Local Planning and PHM Strategy, the Initial Health Assessment, Risk Stratification and Segmentation Tiering (RSST), and the PHM implementation timeline. The TCS updates clarify care manager assignment when services for birthing members overlap with Enhanced Care Management, establish exceptions for high-intensity TCS, and align skilled nursing facility transitions with managed care plan (MCP) contract requirements. Local Planning updates ensure consistent definitions across the PHM Policy Guide and MCP contracts. RSST updates require MCPs to adopt DHCS’ standardized risk tiers by January 1, 2027, supported by an RSST Implementation Plan that must be submitted to DHCS by September 25. These changes reinforce a comprehensive, needs based approach to member support across the care continuum. Please send questions to PHMSection@dhcs.ca.gov.

DHCS also released updated Technical Specifications for PHM Key Performance Indicators to introduce required sex stratification, clarify exclusion criteria for members with other primary insurance or Medicare coverage, and incorporate minor corrections. All updates align with previously issued guidance in Information Notice (IN) 25.003 and IN 26.001.

Updated Authorization to Share Confidential Member Information Frequently Asked Questions

DHCS updated the Authorization to Share Confidential Member Information (ASCMI) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with new questions and clarifications. The ASCMI Initiative is a statewide effort to promote and standardize how care partners exchange clients’ sensitive information, including certain physical health, behavioral health, and social services data. This coordinated approach supports secure information sharing among providers, health plans, county agencies, and social services organizations. The updates include guidance on consent for sharing housing information, requirements for county behavioral health plans and Medi-Cal managed care plans to adopt the ASCMI Form, and clarification on sharing information with non-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-covered entities and law enforcement. These updates were developed with support from the California Mental Health Services Authority and the ASCMI Initiative Early Adopter Cohort. We encourage all care partners to review the full set of FAQs. Please note that DHCS cannot provide legal advice regarding compliance with privacy laws. The FAQs offer general guidance only. Care partners should consult with their legal counsel before determining how to meet data sharing or consent requirements. For questions, please email DHCSDataSharing@dhcs.ca.gov.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its Civil Rights, Legal, Auditing, 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.

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.

Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act Working Group Meeting

On August 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), will host the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act Working Group meeting in Sacramento and via Zoom. Please see the meeting agenda for more information. The purpose of the CARE Act Working Group is to provide coordination and ongoing engagement with, and support collaboration among, relevant state and local partners and other stakeholders throughout the phases of county implementation to support the successful implementation of the CARE Act. To join the CARE Act listserv, please email CAREAct@chhs.ca.gov.

Stakeholder Advisory Committee/Behavioral Health-Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting

On August 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the hybrid Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)/Behavioral Health-SAC meeting (advance registration required for online and in-person participation) at 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316), Sacramento, CA 95814. SAC provides DHCS with valuable input and feedback on efforts to provide equitable access to quality health care. BH-SAC provides DHCS with input on behavioral health initiatives and was created as part of the ongoing effort to integrate behavioral health with the greater health care system. This meeting will include updates on the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Interim Final Rule’s impact on Medi-Cal work and community engagement requirements; Medi-Cal provider enrollment for ordering, referring, and prescribing providers; and Behavioral Health Transformation. The final agenda and other meeting materials will be posted as the meeting date approaches. For more information, please email SACinquiries@dhcs.ca.gov or BehavioralHealthSAC@dhcs.ca.gov.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series

On August 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador train-the-trainer webinar to provide an overview of Medi-Cal six-month renewals and work and community engagement requirements, and to provide additional information to help members keep their coverage as more H.R. 1 changes are implemented (advanced registration required). 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.