September 28, 2026

Program Updates 

California Releases Guidance on New Federal Public Charge Rule

On September 29, DHCS will launch the second phase of a communications campaign to promote California’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This effort builds on the first phase of the 988 communications campaign and will feature digital audio (i.e., streaming radio spots) and social media posts targeting Californians ages 15 to 24. The ads encourage texting, chatting, or calling 988 whenever crisis support is needed. The campaign will run through January 19, 2027. The first phase of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline communications campaign launched in September 2025 and ran through January 2026. The campaign included a series of billboards and posters across California, with a focus on youth and young adult men. As a component of this effort, a Tribal-specific billboard series also ran from October 2025 through January 2026. Both phases of the 988 communications campaign are part of California’s broader 988 communications plan funded through DHCS’ 2023-2026 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration 988 States and Territories Cooperative Agreement grant. For more information, please see the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline webpage or email 988@dhcs.ca.gov.  

Day of Action for Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month 

On September 30, DHCS, in partnership with Soluna, a free, confidential mental health app funded by DHCS that offers youth, young adults, and families access to timely, culturally responsive, and confidential mental health support, will host a Day of Action to mark the last day of Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. The vision for the day is inspired and led by Soluna Youth Ambassadors. The day will include virtual gatherings across the state as well as two in-person community activations. The in-person events will be in Los Angeles (UCLA, from 12 to 2 p.m.), which will focus on reaching college students, student organizations, and community members, and Sacramento (West Side of Capitol Park, from 4 to 6 p.m.), which will reach youth, parents and caregivers, educators, and community partners. The in-person events will be celebratory and community-driven, with music, hands-on activities, and brief remarks from young people and local leaders. Soluna is part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, a multi-year effort to reimagine behavioral health for California’s children and youth. 

Join Our Team 

DHCS is seeking an experienced licensed legal professional to fill the role of Senior Assistant Chief Counsel for the Fiscal, Financing, and Privacy Branch within the Office of Legal Services (OLS). The Senior Assistant Chief Counsel: 

• Oversees the development and application of legal advice and policy to support DHCS fiscal, financial, and privacy-related matters. 

• Provides guidance on financing, rate setting, and third-party collections for the Medi-Cal program. 

• Leads branch attorneys and provides strategic direction to ensure branch activities align with OLS priorities, Department legal practices, and organizational objectives.  

Applications must be submitted by October 5. Also, DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, Fiscal, 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. 

Fee-for-Service Transition Resources and Webinar 

On September 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host an all-comer webinar to provide an overview of the January 1, 2027, transition of Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status from managed care to Medi-Cal fee-for-service and key steps for provider and partner readiness. In addition, DHCS published new online resources to support Medi-Cal members, providers, and partners, including 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.  

Hospice Benefit Stakeholder Quarterly Meeting

On October 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the Hospice Benefit Stakeholder Quarterly Meeting to provide key updates on the transition of the Medi Cal Hospice Attestation Form to the Medi Cal provider portal, effective September 1, 2026, continued enforcement of the five-day attestation submission requirement, upcoming Medi-Cal Provider Manual updates, and All Plan Letter policy updates. These quarterly meetings offer stakeholders an opportunity to review important policy and procedural changes related to Medi-Cal fee-for-service hospice services. For questions or additional information, please email MCHospiceClerk@DHCS.ca.gov. 

Behavioral Health Data Sharing Learning Collaborative  

On October 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the first session of the Behavioral Health Data Sharing Learning Collaborative. This voluntary technical assistance series supports county behavioral health plan (BHP)/managed care plan (MCP) dyads in implementing real-time data sharing and adopting the Authorization to Share Confidential Member Information (ASCMI) form by January 1, 2027, as required by Behavioral Health Information Notice 26-013 and All Plan Letter 26-004. Only one individual from each dyad must sign up. If your BHP/MCP dyad is not yet registered, please use the County and Managed Care Plan Behavioral Health Data Sharing Learning Collaborative Registration Form by September 30. DHCS is finalizing session details and will share additional information as the date approaches. For questions, please email DHCSDataSharing@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Comprehensive Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Contraceptive Implant Training 

On October 27 and 28, DHCS will host an in-person Comprehensive IUD and Contraceptive Implant Training, which includes updates on current U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements. Conducted since 2018, this semi-annual provider training is designed for both new and experienced providers who want to build or refine their skills in IUD and implant placement and removal. The training includes hands-on practice with pelvic models and computer simulators, as well as proctoring by family planning experts. Advanced topics include management of side effects, tips for difficult contraceptive implant placements, pain management principles for office procedures, and complication prevention and management. To register and for more information, please see the Office of Family Planning IUD & Implant Training webpage. 

In Case You Missed It 

New Federal Public Charge Rule Guidance

On September 18, the federal government’s new Public Charge Rule took effect. The new rule changes how the federal government considers certain public benefits in public charge determinations. It does not apply to everyone, and its impact depends on individual circumstances. The California Health and Human Services Agency released resources explaining the new rule, including what it means and how it may affect individuals and families. Additional materials will be added as new information is released. Californians with questions or concerns are encouraged to review these resources, seek information from trusted sources, and consult qualified immigration legal service providers for advice specific to their situation. Please visit the Public Charge website for information, updates, and resources, and can find a list of nonprofit organizations qualified to provide immigration legal services through the California Department of Social Services.