​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​CalAIM News & Updates​​

January 14, 2022 – CalAIM Approved Waivers Webinar

DHCS will host a webinar to provide a status update on and overview of the recently approved CalAIM Section 1115 and 1915(b) waivers on January 14, 2022​. CMS approved the waivers on December 29, 2021. Together, the CalAIM waivers move the tested pilot initiatives from prior federal demonstrations to a comprehensive, integrated Medi-Cal system. This webinar will review the approved initiatives and components in the CalAIM waivers, as well as provide an update on pending CalAIM waiver requests. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions live during the webinar. Advance registration is required, register here. Email CalAIM@dhcs.ca.gov with any questions.

January 11, 2022 – Assessing Behavioral Health Services in California

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated behavioral health challenges—both mental health and substance use disorder—and placed significant demands on the existing system of care and workforce capacity. With behavioral health a top priority of the Newsom Administration and the inequities across the health care system further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the optimal time for the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to produce an updated assessment of California's behavioral health system. While DHCS will use the assessment to inform its work on initiatives such as the BHCIP and the SMI/SED 1115 waiver application, it is not the single source of information that will be used nor is it a description of the Administration's specific positions and plans. DHCS is committed to continuing to work closely with stakeholders to implement critical initiatives underway and develop future policy as behavioral health initiatives evolve.

December 29, 2021 – California’s Historic Medi-Cal Transformation to Begin with Federal Government Approval 

DHCS received the go-ahead to launch its long-term commitment to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration and the CalAIM Section 1915(b) waivers and Medi-Cal State Plan Amendments on December 29, 2021. CalAIM will launch January 1, 2022, and make Medi-Cal more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered to help people maximize their health and life trajectory.

​​CalAIM Stakeholder Meetings

DHCS established topic-specific stakeholder workgroups to explore specific sections of the CalAIM proposal. There are several topic-specific stakeholder workgroups currently underway: 

For additional information on CalAIM Workgroups and past stakeholder meetings, visit Additional Resources.​
Last modified date: 1/12/2022 9:33 AM