July 14, 2025

Top News

New Comprehensive Quality Strategy Posted for Public Comment: Renews Commitment to Improve Health Equity and Quality in California

DHCS released the updated draft 2025 Comprehensive Quality Strategy (CQS), a federally required document outlining how DHCS plans to improve health care for Medi-Cal members. The strategy details efforts to enhance care quality, monitor health plan performance, and reduce health disparities experienced by people of different races, languages, and backgrounds. Building upon the 2022 CQS report, which highlighted delays in care, inconsistent data collection, and unequal health outcomes, the updated CQS sets new goals and strategies to improve services and promote health equity. A 30-day public comment period is now open through August 13 to gather feedback from stakeholders, which will be carefully reviewed and incorporated before finalizing the report. Public comments may be submitted to cqsreview@dhcs.ca.gov.

Program Updates

Medi-Medi Plan Expansion in 2026

In 2026, Medi-Medi Plans will expand into additional counties. Californians dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal will have the option to join a Medi-Medi Plan in most counties. Medi-Medi Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan in California, only available to dual eligible members. These plans coordinate all benefits and services across both Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, including:

• All Medicare-covered services, such as medical providers, hospitals, prescription drugs, labs, and X-rays.
• All Medi-Cal covered services, such as long-term services and supports, durable medical equipment, and medical transportation.
• Additional supplemental benefits over and above Original Medicare and Medi-Cal.
• Coordination with carved-out benefits, such as In-Home Supportive Services and Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services provided by counties.
• One care management team to coordinate care and help a member manage the services they need.
• Community Supports, including personal care/homemaker services and environmental accessibility adaptations (home modifications) when offered by the Medi-Cal managed care plan.
  

Joining a Medi-Medi Plan is voluntary. Dual eligible members can join a Medi-Medi Plan during the Medicare open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, with plan coverage taking effect on January 1, 2026. For questions, please email DHCS at info@calduals.org.

Additionally, on July 29, from 12 to 1 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a public webinar on California's Medi-Medi Plan Expansion in 2026 (advance registration required). The webinar agenda includes an overview of dual eligible members, information about Medi-Medi Plans and the expansion from 12 to 41 counties in California, and resources for providers and members. Stakeholders are encouraged to come prepared to ask questions about Medi-Medi Plans during the webinar. 

Alternative Format Materials

DHCS has made it easier for Medi-Cal members to get their mail in alternate formats, like large print, braille, or audio. Members can now update their preferences when applying for or renewing their Medi-Cal when they log into (or create) their Covered California or BenefitsCal accounts. They may also call or visit their county office to update their communication preferences. Members already receiving alternative formats do not need to update their preferences or take any additional steps. For more information, please visit DHCS' Alternative Formats webpage.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its accounting, behavioral health, audits, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars

DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on the Calendar of Events. DHCS provides free assistive services, including language interpretation, real-time captioning, and alternate formatting of meeting materials. To request services, please email DHCS at the appropriate contact email address at least ten working days before the meeting.

California Children's Services Advisory Group Meeting 

On July 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the quarterly California Children's Services (CCS) Advisory Group meeting. DHCS and the CCS Advisory Group partner to ensure children in the CCS/Whole Child Model program receive appropriate and timely access to quality care. Agenda topics include updates on 2025 priorities, Pediatric Integration: Pharmacy Benefits, Enhanced Care Management, county compliance, monitoring and oversight, and the CCS program. Additional information and meeting details are available on the CCS Advisory Group webpage. Please email CCSProgram@dhcs.ca.gov if you have any questions.

Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting  

On July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT (the time is subject to change), DHCS will host the next Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee (PAHCA-SAC) meeting (advance registration for online participation required) at 1700 K Street (first-floor conference room 17.1014), Sacramento. The committee is responsible for advising DHCS on developing and implementing components of the PAHCA of 2024 (Proposition 35).

SAC/Behavioral Health-SAC Meeting  

On July 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the hybrid SAC/Behavioral Health (BH)-SAC meeting (advance registration required for online and in-person participation) at 1700 K Street (first-floor conference room 17.1014), Sacramento. SAC provides DHCS with valuable input and feedback on efforts to provide equitable access to quality health care. BH-SAC provides DHCS with input on behavioral health initiatives and was created as part of the ongoing effort to integrate behavioral health with the greater health care system. The agenda and other meeting materials will be posted as the meeting date approaches. For more information, please email SACinquiries@dhcs.ca.gov or BehavioralHealthSAC@dhcs.ca.gov.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series 

On July 31, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS' Coverage Ambassador webinar (advance registration required) will include an overview of social media highlights and Medi-Cal program updates. The session will also provide information about California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE), California's tax-advantaged savings and investment plan for individuals with disabilities. Coverage Ambassadors are encouraged to ask questions or share comments during the webinar.

Behavioral Health Transformation Public Listening Session

On July 31, from 12 to 1 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public listening session on Oversight and Monitoring and the Early Intervention Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) List under the Behavioral Health Services Act. Oversight and Monitoring is DHCS' systematic supervision and evaluation of how behavioral health services are delivered. The curated Early Intervention EBP List has been scientifically validated and proven effective for early intervention in behavioral health. During the session, members of the public can comment on several topics, including compliance reviews, enforcement policies, and the legislatively mandated Early Intervention EBP List. Individuals wishing to join must register to participate virtually.

Visit the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for more information about the public listening sessions and additional resources. Please send questions related to Behavioral Health Transformation and/or the public listening sessions to BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov. Additionally, we encourage you to sign up for Behavioral Health Transformation updates.

In Case You Missed It

​California Invests $26 Million to Address Substance Use Disorder Treatment Needs and Save Lives

DHCS has awarded $26 million to more than 70 organizations to combat the opioid crisis in California. These grants are designed to expand access to treatment, strengthen community partnerships, and save lives. The grants represent a critical part of the State's Opioid Response initiative.

​Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayments​

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information opened the application period for the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program, which offers financial relief to behavioral health professionals who commit to serving Medi-Cal patients in underserved areas. This program is available for behavioral health professionals with educational debt, including licensed prescribing behavioral health practitioners, non-prescribing licensed or associate level pre-licensure practitioners, and non-licensed non-prescribing practitioners, including substance use disorder counselors, community health workers, peer support specialists, and wellness coaches. The program is part of the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiative's workforce development funding opportunities. A webinar recording will soon be posted that provides information on eligibility and the application process. The application cycle closes on August 15, 2025.