November 9, 2026

Top News

Updates on Federal Policy Impacts and California’s Response

California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) leadership provided updates on H.R. 1 implementation and other key federal policy developments and their impacts on California’s health and human services programs. The webinar covered recent developments related to public charge, updates on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, and the latest guidance affecting Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The discussion also highlighted CalHHS communications and trusted messenger strategies to help ensure Californians have access to accurate, timely information and resources. Participants included Dan Torres, CalHHS Chief Equity Officer; Michelle Baass, DHCS Director; Jennifer Troia, California Department of Social Services Director; and Jennifer Hernandez, Director of the California Rural Health Transformation Program at the Department of Health Care Access and Information. View the presentation slides and visit Federal Policy Impacts on Medi-Cal.

2026 Council of State Governments 20 Under 40 Class

DHCS is pleased to announce that Tyler Sadwith, Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs and State Medicaid Director, has received the 2026 Council of State Governments (CSG) 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. The award recognizes rising state government leaders from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to public service early in their careers. Recipients are selected for their significant contributions to state government, ability to drive meaningful change, and potential to continue making a lasting impact in the years ahead.

Throughout his tenure at DHCS, Sadwith has played a key role in advancing California’s health care priorities, helping strengthen access to care for millions of Californians while navigating significant federal changes. His leadership, dedication, and vision distinguished him among an accomplished group of nominees from across the country. This recognition reflects Sadwith’s outstanding contributions to public service and his commitment to improving health outcomes for California communities.

Program Updates

Skilled Nursing Facility Value Strategy Landscape Analysis

DHCS published the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value Strategy Landscape Analysis, a major milestone in the Department’s effort to strengthen care for older adults and people with complex medical, behavioral health, and long-term care needs. Based on ten months of stakeholder engagement and policy research, the report examines how California and other states are approaching nursing facility quality, workforce investments, care coordination, and payment policy. Its findings will help inform California’s SNF Value Strategy Multi-Year Roadmap, which will guide future discussions about improving quality, supporting the workforce, and strengthening connections across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, behavioral health services, and community-based care. The SNF Value Strategy is a key pillar of DHCS’ Medi-Cal Value Strategy.

To learn more, join DHCS’ all-comer webinar on November 13, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. PST (advance registration required),to discuss the report and the progress of the broader SNF Value Strategy effort. If you have questions, please email SNFValueStrategy@dhcs.ca.gov. Visit the DHCS SNF Value Strategy webpage for more information.

Flexible Housing Subsidy Pools Investment Grant Request for Applications

On November 2, DHCS released the Flexible Housing Subsidy Pools (“Flex Pools”) Investment Grant Request for Applications (RFA), making up to $60 million available to help communities launch or scale Flex Pools that serve people with behavioral health needs. Flex Pools are a locally designed model for coordinating housing supports. They help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve and maintain stable housing. This RFA builds on the 2025 Flex Pool Technical Assistance Academy and Planning Grants and the recent releases of the Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 2/Transitional Rent and Behavioral Health Services Act Housing Interventions. County behavioral health agencies may apply, and Tribes may join as Tribal funding partners. Key dates include:

• November 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. PST – All-comer applicant webinar.
• November 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. PST – Webinar for Tribal funding partner applicants.
• December 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. PST – Office hours to respond to RFA questions.
• December 17 at 5 p.m. PST – Applications due.

Learn more on the DHCS Housing for Health website, and please share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

Consent Management Portal Accepting Onboarding Interest

DHCS invites providers, health plans, county agencies, and social services organizations to express interest in joining the Consent Management Portal (CMP). The portal is part of the Authorization to Share Confidential Member Information (ASCMI) Initiative. DHCS launched the first version of the CMP in July 2026 with an early adopter group that included Orange, Placer, Riverside, and Stanislaus counties and select Medi-Cal managed care plans. DHCS is using their feedback to improve the portal and will share details on statewide rollout when available. To learn more about onboarding, complete the CMP Onboarding Interest Form. Please check the DHCS ASCMI website for additional updates, and email any questions to DHCSDataSharing@dhcs.ca.gov.   

Join Our Team

• 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.

• DHCS is also hiring for its Fiscal, Legal, Civil Rights, 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.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar: Work Requirements

On November 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will hold a Coverage Ambassador webinar to explain upcoming Medi-Cal requirements for certain adults ages 19 to 64. Beginning January 1, 2027, some members will 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 helpers who 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

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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