September 8, 2026

Program Updates 

Fee-for-Service Transition Resources and Webinar 

DHCS published new online resources to support Medi-Cal members, providers, and partners ahead of the January 1, 2027, transition of members with unsatisfactory immigration status from managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service. These include a plain-language member-focused webpage, stakeholder transition page, fact sheet, member FAQ, provider FAQ, and updates to the Find Doctors and Services tool to help members locate fee-for-service providers. On September 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a webinar to provide an overview of the transition and key steps for provider and partner readiness (advance registration is required). 

Work and Community Engagement Rule and 6‑Month Renewal Rule Notice 

Beginning the week of August 31, DHCS is issuing a federally required outreach letter in all Medi-Cal threshold languages to potentially affected Medi-Cal members explaining two new federal requirements from H.R. 1: the Work and Community Engagement Rule and the 6‑Month Renewal Rule, both of which will take effect in 2027. The letter is only being sent to individuals who may potentially be affected by the changes, specifically the approximately 4.8 million Medi-Cal members enrolled in the Affordable Care Act Adult Expansion Group, sharing upcoming changes that will take place beginning in 2027. The letter describes who will be subject to these rules, outlines the exemptions that allow individuals to remain covered without meeting work or renewal requirements, and provides guidance on how members can comply if they are not exempt. It also explains the potential consequences for non-compliance, including the loss of Medi-Cal coverage and ineligibility for financial assistance. Medi-Cal members receiving this notice will get additional notifications in 2027 from county offices and DHCS. As part of the Medi-Cal renewal process, county offices will send documentation requests to members for additional information if they are unable to determine compliance or exemption with federal work requirements on an ex parte basis. 

Join Our Team 

DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, Civil Rights, Health Care Financing, 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 Children’s Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) Meeting   

On September 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the quarterly MCHAP meeting at 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316) or via public webinar. MCHAP advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. For more information, please see the MCHAP webpage or email MCHAP@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting 

On September 18, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the Protect Access to Health Care Act (PAHCA) Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting (advance registration required for online participation) at 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316). The committee is responsible for advising DHCS on developing and implementing components of PAHCA (Proposition 35). 

Stakeholder Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Meeting 

On September 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host an ad hoc hybrid Stakeholder Advisory Committee/Behavioral Health-Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting (advanced registration required for online and in-person participation) at 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316). The meeting will focus on the transition of Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status to Medi-Cal fee-for-service. The agenda and meeting materials will be posted as the meeting date approaches. For more information, please email SACinquiries@dhcs.ca.gov or BehavioralHealthSAC@dhcs.ca.gov. 

In Case You Missed It 

Coverage Ambassador Train the Trainer Webinar 

On August 27, DHCS hosted 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. Please view the presentation or webinar video. 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.