August 18, 2025
Top News
Lessons from the First Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee
In May 2023, DHCS launched the
Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee (MMAC), a diverse group of Medi-Cal members and caregivers who share their lived experiences directly with DHCS leaders. The committee members meet quarterly with Department leadership to discuss topics related to Medi-Cal policy development, programs, and service implementation, or other issues that directly impact Medi-Cal member services and benefits.
Bright Research Group, supported by the California Health Care Foundation,
evaluated the value, experience, and impact of the MMAC from inception through December 2024. The evaluation found that MMAC members valued their experience with the MMAC and were proud of the ways they have contributed, citing concrete examples of how they informed member-facing communications so all Medi-Cal members can understand and use them. Through collaborative implementation of the MMAC and direct engagement with members, DHCS continues to shift its organizational culture and practices to be more member-centric.
Program Updates
Deadline Approaching for Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Pre-Application Consultation
DHCS is accepting applications for the Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs grant. The deadline for application submission is October 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. PDT. All applicants must complete a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) before submitting an application. The deadline to request a PAC is August 29, 2025. The PAC allows applicants to discuss their proposed project, how their project addresses local behavioral needs, anticipated use of grant funds, match requirements, bond funding requirements, and other related considerations before applying. Applicants will be linked to experts in real estate, finance, and Tribal relations, as needed. PACs are being scheduled now through October 1, 2025. After registering for a PAC, applicants can access the full application.
DHCS will competitively award more than $800 million to eligible entities seeking to expand new behavioral health infrastructure and address gaps in the continuum of care statewide. These funds are not intended to preserve existing service capacity or supplant existing funds. For more eligibility requirements and considerations, refer to the
Request for Applications (RFA). Award announcements are anticipated in spring 2026. If you have any questions or concerns related to the application process, including scheduling a PAC, please contact the
Bond BHCIP Support Desk.
Flexible Housing Subsidy Pools Technical Assistance Academy and Planning Grants Announcement
DHCS is pleased to announce the awarding of
$1.5 million in grant funding for teams that will participate in the Flex Pools Academy. The Flex Pools Academy aims to strengthen local capacity to address homelessness through targeted funding and technical assistance. Each awardee team will receive free, tailored technical assistance and a $115,000 planning grant to support the Flex Pool model in their communities, with an emphasis on operationalizing the upcoming
Behavioral Health Services Act Housing Interventions and
Transitional Rent Behavioral Health Population of Focus. DHCS thanks all applicants for their commitment to advancing safe, stable housing across California. For more information about Flex Pools, please see the
DHCS Housing for Health webpage.
Join Our Team
DHCS is seeking talented and motivated individuals to serve as:
- Assistant Deputy Director (ADD), Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs (LGA). The ADD assists the Deputy Director of LGA with leading DHCS' legislative activities, including formulating, refining, and enacting policy and budget-related legislation. Additionally, the ADD assists with developing and evaluating annual budget trailer bill legislation proposals that impact the Department. Applications must be submitted by August 20.
- ADD, Fiscal. The ADD assists with leading DHCS' fiscal activities and plays a vital role in managing DHCS' fiscal operations. This new role will help strengthen financial integrity, accountability, and transparency. The ADD helps lead the development and implementation of estimating, budgeting, accounting, and reporting policies and processes for more than $200 billion annually in federal and state funds. Applications must be submitted by September 2.
- Chief, Fiscal Forecasting Division. The Chief plays a key leadership role in the development and administration of DHCS' budget by overseeing the state's assumptions, estimates, and funding for the Medi-Cal and other family health programs. The Chief also serves as an advisor regarding the development and implementation of budgets, financial activities, and policies. Applications must be submitted by September 5.
DHCS is also hiring for its accounting, behavioral health, contracting, 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.
Patient-Centered Approaches to Contraception in Perimenopause Webinar
On August 26, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the
Patient-Centered Approaches to Contraception in Perimenopause webinar (advance registration required). This webinar for family planning providers will offer critical insights and practical knowledge to enhance your practice and support patients through perimenopause and menopause. Family planning providers are vital to supporting patients through these significant life stages. This session will equip providers with the latest information on the pathophysiology, symptomatology, contraception options, and patient-centered management strategies for perimenopause and menopause. For those unable to attend the live webinar, a transcript and recording of the webinar, along with additional resources, will be available on the
Family PACT website at a later date. Continuing Medical Education credits are available to those who register and attend the live event.
CalHHS CARE Act Working Group Meeting
On August 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) will hold its Community Assistance, Recovery & Empowerment (CARE) Act Working Group meeting. The meeting will feature a presentation and discussion about the recently released
2025 CARE Act Annual Report, which details the CARE Act's early progress in connecting Californians with serious mental illness to treatment, housing, and hope. There will also be a panel discussion on the Role of Peers in CARE, as well as updates on implementation and recent activities. Please see the
CARE Act Working Group website for more information.
Cal-MAP Webinar for Medi-Cal Providers
On September 4, from 12 to 1 p.m. PDT, DHCS' ACEs Aware initiative will hold a
webinar about the California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal (
Cal-MAP). The webinar will provide an overview of Cal-MAP's services, including consultation on screening, diagnosis, and treatment from child psychiatrists, and resource and referral guidance from licensed social workers. Cal-MAP is a no-cost consultation program that supports primary care and school-based providers in delivering timely, high-quality mental health care to youth ages 0–25. Cal-MAP is part of the CalHOPE pediatric access initiative and is designed to expand access to behavioral health services, particularly in California's rural and underserved communities. Through Cal-MAP, Medi-Cal providers who screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress can be connected with child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers for real-time support.
In Case You Missed It
Public Comment Period Open for CalAIM Concept Paper
On July 23, DHCS released the
Continuing the Transformation of Medi-Cal Concept Paper, which outlines DHCS' vision and goals for the five years after the federal waiver that authorizes California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) expires in December 2026. The concept paper outlines recent progress, current priorities, and the Department's long-term vision to strengthen and sustain Medi-Cal as a person-centered, equity-driven system. The 30-day public comment period runs from July 23 to August 22, with feedback accepted via email at
1115Waiver@dhcs.ca.gov.
Public Comment Period Open for High-Fidelity Wraparound Concept Paper
On July 31, DHCS released the
High-Fidelity Wraparound Concept Paper for public comment. The paper describes the initial vision for Medi-Cal High-Fidelity Wraparound payment and monitoring policies and associated updated standards for service delivery in both Medi-Cal and the Behavioral Health Services Act, in alignment with national standards and state best practices. DHCS invites the public to comment on the concepts presented in the paper and provide responses to the specific questions for stakeholder input. Comments may be submitted to
BH-CONNECT@dhcs.ca.gov by 5 p.m. PDT on August 28.
New Funding Opportunity to Expand Doula Care Access in California
MOMS Orange County has been selected as the fiscal intermediary to distribute $382,500 in awards to community-based organizations, doula hubs, and doula organizations across California. These awards are intended to expand access to high-quality, respectful, and trauma-informed doula care for Medi-Cal populations. The funding will support between 10 and 14 awards, each ranging from $25,000 to $35,000, for such activities as doula recruitment, training, Medi-Cal billing assistance, and initiatives that introduce doulas to public health programs, health care providers, and community organizations focused on maternal health services. Applications are due by August 22 at 12 p.m. PDT, and award announcements will be made on August 27.
