Paper-Based Application Process for Medi-Cal Enrollment When Online System is Unavailable
Frequently Asked Questions from Stakeholder Hearing on February 24, 2026
Below are the answers to most of the questions that the Department Of Health Care Services (DHCS) received during the stakeholder hearing on February 24, 2026. If you do not see an answer to your question, please send an email to the appropriate email address(es) listed below:
1. Where can providers access the paper forms?
Providers may access the required forms for their provider type by accessing the Medi-Cal Provider Enrollment Forms webpage. Under the "Topics" menu, select "Provider Enrollment".
Applicants are required to complete the appropriate DHCS forms for their provider type and any applicable required supporting documents.
2. Will this be applicable for provider revalidation requests too if the system is down?
Yes, if the Provider Enrollment Division (PED) notifies you of a revalidation request during a system-wide outage, paper-based submission becomes the legally-required method for all provider enrollment actions.
3. Will an email be sent out if this bulletin goes into effect?
DHCS created an email service (Listserv) for stakeholders. Subscribing to one or more of the available lists will allow you to more quickly receive current updates from PED by way of email rather than by the United States Postal Service.
4. If we go to the online provider enrollment webpage and see that the system is down, will there be instructions on the next steps to complete a paper application?
Yes, if the online provider enrollment portal is down, the enrollment webpage will redirect providers to an informational bulletin that includes instructions on how to obtain and submit paper-based applications.
The paper-based application process will remain in effect until DHCS rescinds the informational bulletin that initiated this temporary process.
5. Is there a presentation showing the steps to take to fill out a paper application?
If DHCS initiates the paper-based provider enrollment application process, DHCS will make materials available to assist providers in filling out their paper applications. The Provider Resources webpage also has materials to help providers fill out their provider enrollment applications.
6. What is the estimated timeline to finalize enrollments when submitting paper applications as opposed to using PAVE?
DHCS is required to adhere to the application review timelines outlined in Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code section 14043.26, regardless of whether an application is submitted on paper or online. For physician/surgeons, the timeline is 90 days. For all other allied providers, the timeline is 180 days.
7. Where do we find the status updates for paper applications?
Providers may utilize the Provider Inquiries form to receive an update on the status of their paper application during a system-wide outage.
8. If a provider submits a paper application during a system-wide outage, will the provider need to submit an online application after it's back up?
No, submitting a second application is not necessary. If DHCS experiences a system-wide outage, paper-based submission becomes the legally required method for all provider enrollment actions.
9. Will it be mandatory in the future to only submit applications online?
It is currently mandatory to only submit provider enrollment applications online. DHCS will continue to mandate electronic submission through the online system as the standard process. Paper-based forms are a temporary measure only during system-wide outages.
10. Will the paper applications accept DocuSign or will they require a wet signature?
Paper applications must include a wet signature, as required in California Code of Regulations, title 22, section 51000.30(a)(2)(C).
11. If we resubmitted an application with corrections, how long will it take to get feedback on the corrections?
DHCS is required to notify the applicant within 60 days of the application being resubmitted with corrections.
12. If notarized forms are required in my application, do I need to submit the original or is a copy sufficient?
Yes, the original copies of the notarized forms with wet signatures are required.
13. Are there any trainings offered to providers once they are approved with Medi-Cal?
Yes, please see the Provider Resources webpage to access trainings.
14. Where do we send the paper applications?
Instructions on how to mail and submit paper enrollment forms can be found on the enrollment form itself. Please refer to the instructions on the enrollment form.
