October 20, 2026

Program Updates 

Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service Provider Toolkit Now Available 

DHCS published a Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service (FFS) Provider Toolkit to help providers prepare for the January 1, 2027, transition of Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) from managed care to FFS. The toolkit includes information about provider enrollment and revalidation, eligibility verification, billing and claims processes, Treatment Authorization Requests, transportation services, continuity of care, and other resources to support providers during the transition. The toolkit will be updated periodically as additional guidance, resources, and operational information become available. Providers and stakeholders are encouraged to review and share the toolkit and check back for future versions to help ensure readiness and minimize disruptions in care for impacted members. 

New BHSA Logo Available for Partners 

DHCS released a new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) logo (downloadable file) that counties, contractors, and community partners may use to identify BHSA-related materials and activities. The BHSA logo is available as an optional resource for items specifically related to BHSA, including flyers and fact sheets, posters and outreach materials, reports and presentations, news releases and announcements, websites and webpages, and other print and digital communications. The logo does not replace the Mental Health for All logo, which remains California’s primary behavioral health brand. Instead, it replaces the Mental Health Services Act logo and serves as an additional identifier when materials must be clearly designated as BHSA-related. Designed for flexibility and readability, the logo maintains its clarity across a variety of formats and sizes, making it suitable for both print and digital use. 

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Strategic Planning Initiative 

On October 16, DHCS notified the CalPACE Association, National PACE Association, all PACE plans, and two Medi-Cal managed care plan associations (Local Health Plans of California and California Association of Health Plans) about the launch of a new statewide strategic planning initiative to guide the future growth, sustainability, and oversight of PACE in California. Working with the California Health Care Foundation, The SCAN Foundation, and external consultants, DHCS will develop a statewide PACE Strategic Growth Framework to inform future program planning and oversight. Stakeholder engagement opportunities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and meetings, will be announced throughout the project as DHCS seeks input from a broad range of partners and interested parties. The framework is expected to be completed in early 2028. For questions, email PACE@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Join Our Team 

• DHCS is seeking an experienced behavioral health professional to fill the role of Assistant Deputy Director (ADD) for Behavioral Health. The ADD provides leadership, management, and support in implementing behavioral health initiatives designed to achieve equitable health outcomes and ensure consistent access to high-quality mental health and substance use disorder care. Applications must be submitted by October 29, 2026. 

• DHCS is seeking an experienced managed care professional to fill the role of ADD for Managed Care within Health Care Delivery Systems. The ADD assists in overseeing the planning, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and management of DHCS’ managed care delivery systems services, programs, and policies. Applications must be submitted by November 6, 2026. 

• DHCS is seeking an experienced health management professional to fill the role of Chief of the Population Health Management Division. The chief leads strategy, policy, oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of population health management under CalAIM to help members stay healthy through preventive and wellness services and identifying and assessing member risks. Applications must be submitted by October 28, 2026. 

• In addition, DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, 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. 

Updated Recuperative Care Policy 

On October 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host an All-Comer Webinar to review key updates and answer questions about 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. 

California Children’s Services (CCS) Advisory Group Meeting 

On October 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the quarterly CCS Advisory Group meeting. DHCS and the CCS Advisory Group partner to ensure children in the CCS/Whole Child Model Program receive appropriate and timely access to quality care. Agenda topics include discussions and updates on the January 2027 transition of members with UIS from managed care to FFS, H.R. 1 work requirements and medical frailty, Medi-Cal Rx ordering, referring, and prescribing provider enrollment requirements, and CCS provider paneling and facility review processes. Additional information and meeting details are available on the CCS Advisory Group webpage. Please email questions to CCSProgram@dhcs.ca.gov. 

Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements for Doulas 

On October 27, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a public stakeholder hearing via webinar (advance registration required) to discuss the draft provider bulletin, “Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements and Procedures for Doulas.” DHCS is updating enrollment requirements for doula providers seeking reimbursement through the Medi-Cal program. Effective December 3, 2026, doulas applying for enrollment through the Experience Pathway must submit a recommendation letter from a Medi-Cal-enrolled community-based organization and provide proof of adult and infant CPR from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Comments, questions, and suggestions may be submitted during the webinar or emailed to DHCSPEDStakeholder@dhcs.ca.gov by 5 p.m. PDT on October 27. Following review of stakeholder feedback, DHCS will publish the final bulletin on the Medi-Cal and DHCS websites. 

Comprehensive Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Contraceptive Implant Training 

On October 27 and 28, DHCS will host all-day, in-person comprehensive IUD and contraceptive implant trainings, which include 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. 

Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)/Behavioral Health (BH)-SAC Meeting 

On October 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the hybrid SAC/BH-SAC meeting (advance registration required for online and in-person participation) at 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316), Sacramento. 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. The meeting will include updates on Community Supports, Behavioral Health Throughput Proposals, the Behavioral Health Public County Profile, and Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiatives. The 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. 

Mitigating Burnout in Community Health Workers and Lived-Experience Staff 

On October 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. PDT, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will host a webinar, Mitigating Burnout in Community Health Workers and Lived-Experience Staff (advance registration required). Community health workers, promotores, and community health representatives play a vital role in advancing health equity, but repeated exposure to trauma and complex community needs can contribute to burnout, compassion fatigue, and workforce turnover. This 90-minute webinar will explore organizational strategies that support well-being beyond individual self-care, including approaches to identifying burnout, responding effectively as supervisors and leaders, and implementing sustainable workplace supports. Attendees will hear from experts and frontline practitioners about wellness practices that can strengthen and sustain the community health worker workforce. 

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 Innovation Lab. To learn more, visit the Collaborative Planning and Implementation webpage. Please email 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.