DHCS provides low-income Californians with access to affordable, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use disorder services, and long-term services and supports. DHCS’ mission is to preserve and improve the physical and mental health of all Californians. DHCS works closely with federal officials, health care professionals, legislators, county governments, and health plans to provide an accessible health care safety net for individuals in need.

 

DHCS programs, including Medi-Cal, California Children’s Services, Child Health and Disability Prevention, and Genetically Handicapped Persons, serve more than 11 million Californians. One in five people in the state receive health care services financed or organized by DHCS, making the department the largest health care purchaser in California. DHCS invests approximately $70 billion in public funds to provide health care services for low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and persons with disabilities, while helping to maintain the health care delivery safety net.