Activity Funds
About Activity Funds
The Activity Funds initiative is a key component of the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiative.
Activity Funds can be used to cover some or all of the cost of allowable activities and specified items beyond traditional therapies to support an eligible member’s inclusion in the community and promote improved physical and behavioral health outcomes.
Activity Funds can be used for items and services such as sports club fees and gym memberships; bicycles, scooters, roller skates and related safety equipment; music lessons, art lessons, and therapeutic summer camps. Items and services covered with Activity Funds directly align with assessed clinical needs.
Activity Funds are available to eligible Medi-Cal enrolled children and youth with a behavioral health condition or at high risk of a behavioral health condition who are involved in the child welfare system.
See Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) 25-037 for more information.
Implementation Updates
DHCS will begin distributing Activity Funds in Spring 2026. More information will be posted here when available.
The Activity Funds homepage, which is currently under construction, will be hosted by PPL, will be regularly updated, and will include:
- Implementation updates
- Technical assistance materials
- Upcoming meetings and trainings
- Information specific to activity providers, Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs), and eligible children/youth and their caregivers.
Resources
- BH-CONNECT 1115(a) Demonstration Special Terms and Conditions
- BHIN 25-037: BH-CONNECT Activity Funds Initiative
- PPL Activity Funds Webpage
Implementation Partners
DHCS is working with Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), a fiscal intermediary, to ensure the roll out of the Activity Funds Initiative is simple, efficient, and aligned with DHCS policy and CMS requirements. PPL will be responsible for enrolling activity providers, managing an online portal fund disbursement system, and data reporting. PPL is working with Aurrera Health Group and NORC at the University of Chicago to provide comprehensive stakeholder engagement, technical assistance, reporting, and evaluation.
Contact Information
For questions regarding Activity Funds policy, please reach out to BH-CONNECT@dhcs.ca.gov.
For questions regarding accessing Activity Funds, participating as an Activity Fund provider, or to request technical assistance, reach out to PPL at caactivityfunds-cs@pplfirst.com.