August 10, 2026

Program Updates

Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee and Voices and Vision Council Annual Report

DHCS recently released the first Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee and Voices and Vision Council annual report, which summarizes key activities, discussions, and member‑driven recommendations from the past year, reflecting the collaborative work of both advisory groups. The report highlights priorities identified by members and the shared efforts that informed program development throughout the year. DHCS encourages partners to review the report to better understand the perspectives and recommendations that help shape our ongoing work. Thank you to our Medi-Cal members and partners for serving on the committees and for your continued engagement and contributions.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its Legislative, Legal, 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 10 working days before the meeting.

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 an update on 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.