November 2, 2026

Top News

Three Bond BHCIP Awards Announced

DHCS is reinvesting $146 million in Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) funding in three behavioral health projects in Los Angeles and Shasta counties, ensuring voter-approved investments continue to expand behavioral health infrastructure throughout California. This funding now supports three additional projects:

• Signature Healthcare Services, LLC Project in Shasta County will create 107 beds supporting psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, social rehabilitation, and residential treatment services across a 10-county region. 
• Cangress Project in Los Angeles County will build a 50-bed facility in the Skid Row community offering peer-led behavioral health support and stabilization services. 
• Compatior, Inc. Project in Los Angeles County will create 30 residential substance use disorder treatment beds and 120 outpatient treatment slots, expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services.

Please see the BHCIP/Bond BHCIP All Rounds Dashboard for more information.

Interim Final Rule/Medical Frailty Decision

On October 29, a federal court ruled that the federal government exceeded its authority by narrowing the H.R. 1 medical frailty exemption from the Medicaid work requirement beyond what Congress authorized. California was among the states that challenged the provision. The decision removes the portion of the rule that requires individuals who are medically frail or have special medical needs to demonstrate that their condition significantly impairs their ability to meet the Medicaid work requirement. It also provides additional clarity for states in implementing federal Medicaid work requirement changes. DHCS is reviewing the federal court order and injunction. California remains committed to helping eligible Medi-Cal members obtain and maintain coverage while complying with federal law.

Program Updates

TMaH Model Accountable Entity Application

DHCS is asking eligible Medi-Cal-enrolled clinical perinatal providers in Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model counties (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare) interested in participating in the TMaH Model to complete the TMaH Model Accountable Entity Application by November 18. California is one of 15 states selected to participate in the TMaH Model, a Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) delivery and payment model designed to test whether effective implementation of evidence-informed interventions, sustained by a value-based payment model, can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce Medicaid and CHIP program costs. DHCS was awarded $17 million in federal funding to plan and implement the TMaH Model over ten years.

Join Our Team

• DHCS is seeking an experienced managed care professional to fill the role of Assistant Deputy Director (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 information technology professional to fill the role of Chief of the Medi-Cal Enterprise Systems Modernization Division within Enterprise Technology Services. The Chief serves as DHCS’ executive leader for modernization and continuous improvement of enterprise technology platforms and products. Applications must be submitted by November 17, 2026.

• In addition, DHCS is hiring for its Fiscal, Legal, Procurement, 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 Dental Los Angeles Stakeholder Meeting

On November 3, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will hold the Medi-Cal Dental Los Angeles Stakeholder meeting to share updates and information about new and upcoming activities. The meeting provides dental stakeholders with a forum to share input with the Medi-Cal Dental team that can help improve the delivery of oral health care services. Additional materials are available on the Medi-Cal Dental Los Angeles Stakeholder Meeting webpage. Please email any questions to dental@dhcs.ca.gov.

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. Webinar topics include CalABLE and Medi-Cal overview 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.

Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) Meeting 

On November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST, DHCS will host the quarterly MCHAP meeting at 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the 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.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar: Work Requirements

On November 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar to explain upcoming Medi-Cal requirements for affected adults ages 19 to 64. Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults may need to work, attend school, participate in job training, or volunteer to keep their Medi-Cal coverage. The webinar will explain who must meet the requirements, who is exempt, and how Coverage Ambassadors can help Medi-Cal members prepare for the changes and maintain their coverage. 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.

Proposition 64 Advisory Group Meeting

On November 19, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will host the Proposition 64 Advisory Group meeting at the Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (1321 Garden Highway, Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95833). The meeting will include updates on the Elevate Youth California program, including contract developments, external evaluation progress, and information about training and technical assistance for grantees. Attendees will also hear presentations from the California Department of Social Services, California Natural Resources Agency, and California Department of Public Health on outcomes to date of the Proposition 64 Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention, and Treatment Account-funded projects. Meeting materials, including the agenda, webinar link, and additional resources, will be posted on the Prop 64 AG webpage. For questions, please email DHCSProp64@dhcs.ca.gov.

In Case You Missed It

Governor Newsom Announces Opening of First Proposition 1-Funded Behavioral Health Facility

On October 30, the Governor announced that the first behavioral health facility funded by Proposition 1, the Ritter Center in San Rafael, is now open, with 1,412 outpatient treatment slots projected to serve more than 7,000 individuals annually. The facility is funded through Proposition 1’s BHCIP Bond, which has already funded 176 projects across 334 facilities for local communities. Read the Governor’s Office press release.

California Awards $21 Million to 112 Organizations for Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Programs

California is partnering with 112 community organizations to help prevent opioid and stimulant use, reduce overdose risk, and connect people to treatment and recovery services. The Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program is investing more than $21 million statewide to provide outreach and education, distribute naloxone, host workshops, offer peer navigation, and strengthen local connections to treatment and recovery services. Read the Governor’s Office press release.

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 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. DHCS will update the toolkit 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 affected members.

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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov