October 6, 2026

Top News

California Releases Guidance on New Federal Public Charge Rule

On October 1, DHCS took a significant step forward in delivering on California’s Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) goals of transparency and accountability by releasing the Behavioral Health Public County Profile. This profile is California’s first public-facing dashboard to centralize county-reported behavioral health data, giving the public, policymakers, and stakeholders a clear view of how counties plan, fund, and deliver behavioral health services. The profile includes counties’ three-year Integrated Plans, visualizations for a subset of BHSA performance measures, and additional statewide behavioral health reporting. These enhancements make it easier to compare performance, understand how behavioral health funds are used across the state, and explore demographic, housing-related, and service-level information that counties report under the BHSA. For questions, email BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. 

California Maintains Access to Gender-Affirming Care for Youth 

California is unwavering in its commitment to transgender and gender-diverse youth. Gender-affirming care improves health and well-being, and California will continue standing with young people, their families, and the providers who care for them. On October 13, a new federal rule prohibits states from using federal Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program funds for certain gender-affirming care services for youth. These restrictions apply only to federal funding; they do not prevent California from continuing to provide reimbursement for medically necessary gender-affirming care. California will use state-only funding to reimburse providers for services affected by the federal rule through the Department of Health Care Access and Information. On September 30, DHCS issued All Plan Letter 26-018 to provide guidance to Medi-Cal managed care plans about requirements for gender-affirming care services for youth in relation to the Final Rule. California remains committed to ensuring that transgender youth can access medically necessary care under state law. 

California Keeps Dialysis Treatment Covered for People with Restricted-Scope Medi-Cal 

Restricted‑scope Medi‑Cal covers only those services necessary to treat and stabilize an emergency medical condition. Following a federal financial management review and subsequent direction from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), DHCS updated its claims logic and provider guidance to ensure routine, ongoing maintenance dialysis is no longer treated as an emergency service for purposes of federal financial participation. As part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the Legislature and Administration advanced a state‑funded approach to continue non‑emergency, maintenance dialysis services—and transportation to and from those services—for restricted‑scope Medi‑Cal members. DHCS is updating coverage policy, billing requirements, and system logic to implement this change. 

New CARE Act Report Shows Promising Results 

On October 1, California released updated Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act data showing continued progress in reaching people living with serious mental illness and connecting them to treatment, housing, and other supports through voluntary engagement. The new statewide data highlight that CARE is functioning primarily as a pathway to engagement rather than court compulsion, with counties using persistent outreach and coordinated behavioral health, housing, and community‑based services to reach individuals who have historically struggled to stay connected to care. Alongside these updates, DHCS published the 2026 CARE Act Annual Report, offering deeper insight into service engagement, housing stability, participant characteristics, and statewide implementation. While CARE implementation continues to evolve, early results remain encouraging, and California will keep working closely with counties, courts, providers, and community partners to strengthen CARE and support recovery, stability, and improved outcomes for more Californians. 

Qualified Non-Citizen General Information Notice 

On October 1, DHCS implemented Medi‑Cal eligibility changes required by H.R. 1. Under new federal rules, some Qualified Non-Citizen (QNC) members are no longer eligible for federally funded full‑scope Medicaid. California, however, will continue providing state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through July 1, 2027, to ensure continuity of care. To inform affected members, DHCS began mailing a General Information Notice on September 17. Affected members do not need to take any action. DHCS will automatically transition them to state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal. Members should only contact their local county office if their immigration status has changed or if updates to their Medi-Cal records are needed. The notice also provides information about additional resources and more. Stakeholders can find the outreach notice in Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No. 26-21. For more information, please visit the Medi-Cal Changes webpage or email ImmigrationPolicy@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Program Updates 

New Navigator Programs to Help Medi-Cal Members 

On October 1, DHCS released funding applications for two new Navigator programs. DHCS is partnering with the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) to launch these programs to support Medi-Cal members during significant Medi-Cal changes beginning on January 1, 2027. 

• H.R. 1 Navigators for Clinics Program: $5.5 million in total funds to support members in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Adult Expansion Group maintain continuous coverage and understand program changes associated with H.R. 1, including work and community engagement requirements, six‑month renewal cycles, and shorter retroactive eligibility periods. This group refers to low-income adults aged 19 to 64 who became eligible for Medi-Cal under the ACA. These are individuals who do not fit into traditional Medicaid categories (like being pregnant, disabled, or a parent), but qualify because their income is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level. H.R. 1 is introducing stricter rules for this specific group starting in 2027. Navigators will help these members understand and deal with the changes. 

• Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) Transition Navigators Program: $8 million in General Funds to assist members with UIS maintain access to care as they transition from the managed care delivery system to fee-for-service. 

Community health centers and community-based organizations that have previously provided Navigation services through past DHCS/CPCA initiatives will be eligible to participate. Applications are due by October 30. CPCA anticipates awarding approximately 8 to 15 grantees for the H.R. 1 Navigators for Clinics Program and 28 to 45 grantees for the UIS Transition Navigators Program. Award amounts will range from $150,000 to $500,000 per direct service entry. For questions about either opportunity, including eligibility, please email HealthNavigators@cpca.org. 

Joint Agency Best Practice Letter Aims to Strengthen Home Visiting Programs 

On September 30, DHCS, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS), released the Joint Agency Best Practice Letter: Guidance to Strengthen Local Home Visiting Programs Referrals and Utilization for Pregnant and Postpartum Medi-Cal Members. As detailed in DHCS’ Birthing Care Pathway Report, California offers multiple home visiting programs (HVP) for eligible Medi-Cal members, including CDPH’s California Home Visiting Program, CDSS’ CalWORKs and Family First Prevention Services HVPs, and community-based programs like First 5. Coordination challenges have limited awareness and use, but this letter aims to improve local coordination, raise awareness, and connect families to essential services. The letter clarifies state-level requirements for identifying, referring, and connecting members to HVPs, and highlights best practices for cross-agency collaboration and stronger referral networks. It does not establish new requirements, but promotes consistent, coordinated operations and improved access for families. CDPH and DHCS will soon share videos highlighting HVP successes statewide. 

Reduction in Total Funds Temporarily Withheld from Behavioral Health Plans  

On September 28, DHCS issued Final Notices of Imposition of Temporary Withholds to four county behavioral health plans (BHP)—Merced, Santa Clara, Shasta and San Francisco—for failing to meet state and federal timely access and network adequacy standards outlined in Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) 25-013 for two consecutive certification years. DHCS initially identified 10 county BHPs that would be subject to temporary withholds for uncorrected network adequacy and/or timely access deficiencies, as detailed in the 2025 Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) and 2025 Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) Compliance Findings reports posted on the DHCS Network Adequacy webpage. 

Following meet and confer sessions and additional evidence submitted under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 14197.7, DHCS determined that Fresno, Napa, San Mateo, Tehama, Tulare, and Ventura counties had corrected the relevant deficiencies. As a result, DHCS will not proceed with temporary withholds for those counties. Temporary withholds will be released once the remaining four BHPs (Merced, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Shasta) demonstrate compliance. This action strengthens accountability and supports ongoing efforts to build robust provider networks and help ensure Californians receive timely, high-quality behavioral health services. 

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. 

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. 

Public Charge Webinar 

On October 8 at 12 p.m. PDT, the California Health and Human Services Agency and The California Endowment will sponsor a webinar (advance registration required) designed to help trusted messengers better understand public charge and recent changes that may affect the communities they serve, and strengthen their ability to communicate clear and accurate public charge information to patients, clients, and community members. The webinar will bring together state, legal, and community experts to share updates, address common questions, and highlight resources and approaches that trusted messengers can use in their work. Guest speakers include Yannina Casillas, JD, Innovation and Equity Unit Manager, California Department of Social Services, and Erin Quinn, JD, Senior Managing Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Trusted messengers include community health workers, promotoras, Coverage Ambassadors, benefits navigators and enrollment assisters, and community-based organizations and other community-facing partners supporting individuals and families with health coverage, public benefits, and related services. Please email any questions to training@communityhealthsynergy.com. 

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. DHCS is finalizing session details and will share additional information as the date approaches. For questions, please email DHCSDataSharing@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Updated Recuperative Care Policy 

DHCS has released new materials related to recuperative care and the sunset of short‑term post‑hospitalization housing (STPHH). These updates support California’s transition of recuperative care to In Lieu of Services (ILOS) authority and reflect federal requirements and stakeholder feedback. The updated Community Supports Policy Guide includes the revised recuperative care service definition, effective January 1, 2027, the STPHH sunset plan, and updated room and board policy. The draft Pricing Resource provides a nonbinding benchmark to support contracting and reflects updated service requirements, wages, and inflation. DHCS is seeking public comment on the draft Pricing resource, which may be emailed to CACSPricingResource@dhcs.ca.gov by October 16, 2026, with the subject line “Feedback on the Recuperative Care Pricing Resource.” DHCS will host an All‑Comer Webinar on October 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT, to review key updates and answer questions. 

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. 

Practical Applications of the CalAIM Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits 

On October 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public webinar, Practical Applications of the CalAIM Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits (advance registration required), that will walk participants through practical ways to use the Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits in real-world settings. Topics include strategies related to funding, change management, staffing, work environments, provider examples, and common mistakes to avoid. Guest speakers include representatives from HC2 Strategies, the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance, and Public Health Institute. Visit the Collaborative Planning and Implementation webpage to learn more, and send questions to collaborative@ca-path.com. 

Understanding CalABLE and Medi-Cal Webinar 

On November 4, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS and CalABLE will host an educational webinar, “Understanding CalABLE and Medi-Cal.” CalABLE is a savings and investment program that empowers people with disabilities to save money without losing vital public benefits, such as Medi‑Cal or Supplemental Security Income. The webinar will provide a clear overview of how CalABLE and Medi‑Cal interact and what individuals, families, and service providers need to know. Topics to be covered include CalABLE overview and eligibility, Medi‑Cal information and eligibility, Medi‑Cal asset limits, and Medi-Cal changes coming in 2027. The webinar will be recorded, and registered participants will receive the link after registering. ASL interpretation, Spanish interpretation, and closed captioning will be provided. Please email any questions to calable@vestwell.com.