September 22, 2025

Top News

Medi-Cal Program Changes Resource Available

DHCS updated its online resource that provides members with information about upcoming changes to the Medi-Cal program taking effect over the next several years. DHCS added the direct impacts to members from H.R. 1. Most Medi-Cal members will continue to receive the same comprehensive benefits, including medical, mental health, dental, vision, and long-term care services. However, specific policy updates will impact certain populations. DHCS will continue to share updates as new information becomes available to help members and stakeholders stay informed.

Program Updates

DHCS Publishes FAQs for BHSA Housing Interventions and Medi-Cal Community Supports

DHCS published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the relationship between Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Housing Interventions and Medi-Cal Community Supports designed to address the housing needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The FAQ is intended for county behavioral health agencies and may be helpful for managed care plans, housing providers, and other stakeholders. The FAQ includes information related to compliance with California Welfare & Institutions Code section 5830, subdivision (c)(2), background on housing-related Community Supports, considerations for county behavioral health agencies both as providers of housing-related Community Supports and as funders of BHSA Housing Interventions, and the county's role in transitional rent eligibility and authorization.

California Issues Respiratory Virus Immunization Guidance

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced official immunization recommendations for the influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines in accordance with West Coast Health Alliance partners Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. The guidance follows California's decisive action to protect vaccine access and health insurance coverage for vaccines necessary to protect the public during respiratory virus season. Governor Gavin Newsom also signed into law Assembly Bill 144, which ensures that CDPH's immunization recommendations are informed by evidence-based scientific recommendations from trusted national medical organizations. DHCS Medical Director Dr. Karen Mark informed stakeholders about Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines. DHCS will issue an update to All Plan Letter 24-008 Immunizations Requirements as soon as possible to clarify Medi-Cal managed care plan requirements.

Updated Guidance for Medi-Cal and Family PACT Providers

DHCS updated guidance to Medi-Cal and Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment Program (Family PACT) providers that meet the definition of “Prohibited Entities" under H.R. 1 regarding service delivery and claims submission. The revisions include important clarifications to previously issued instructions. On September 17, DHCS updated All Plan Letter (APL) 25-011 to provide guidance to Medi-Cal managed care plans on the handling of payments to impacted Medi-Cal and Family PACT providers. For questions about this guidance, please email DHCS' Office of Family Planning at OFPStakeholder@dhcs.ca.gov.

Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements and Procedures

Effective November 17, 2025, Medi-Cal provider enrollment requirements and procedures will be updated specifically for Qualified Autism Service (QAS) applicants who are individual Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) who will only bill the Medi-Cal program, including a Medi-Cal managed care plan, for themselves. The individual BCBA may report their residential address as their administrative location, which is where services are dispatched or based, but not where in-person services are provided. Individual BCBAs who meet the requirements of this bulletin will be exempt from certain established place of business requirements. Additionally, QAS provider organizational and individual applicants will no longer be required to report the National Provider Identifier, first and last name, and any applicable professional license number, certification number, or registration number of the QAS providers providing behavioral health treatment services within the e-Form application. These individuals are also still not required to separately enroll.

On September 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a public stakeholder hearing via webinar (advance registration required) to discuss the draft regulatory provider bulletin entitled, “Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements and Procedures for Qualified Autism Service Provider Organizations and Individuals Offering Behavioral Health Treatment Services." Written comments, questions, or suggestions regarding the bulletin updates may be submitted during the hearing in the webinar chat. For those unable to attend, written comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PDT on September 30 to be considered for publication. When submitting written comments, please ensure that the commenter and organization/association being represented are both identified in the comments. Written comments may be submitted to DHCSPEDStakeholder@dhcs.ca.gov. Based on the public comments received, DHCS will publish the final bulletin on the Medi-Cal providers and DHCS Provider Enrollment Division websites.

Smile, California: Mobile Dental Van Event

The next Smile, California mobile dental van event will take place in Mono County, providing free dental services at two locations. The van will visit the Lee Vining Community Center on September 24 and 25 and the Antelope Valley Community Building on September 26 and 27. The events run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smile, California will support the event with a custom flyer, social media posts, and a Smile Alert to notify members and partners of the upcoming event. Visitors are encouraged to call 1-888-585-3368 to pre-register and complete the consent forms before the event.

DHCS to Celebrate California Native American Day

On September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DHCS' Office of Tribal Affairs will participate in the 58th Annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol. This year's event theme is “Walking in Their Footsteps: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Strength and Sovereignty," which honors the enduring resilience, cultural richness, and sovereignty of California Native American communities. The event will feature cultural presentations, traditional performances, and opportunities to engage with Tribal leaders and community members. All are welcome to join in celebrating and learning from the legacy of California's Native people.

Join Our Team

DHCS is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as:

• Assistant Deputy Director (ADD), Audits and Investigations (A&I). The ADD assists with leading the planning, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and management of DHCS' audit and investigation activities. The ADD also oversees administrative operations within A&I, ensuring that administrative functions, workflows, and resource management activities are carried out effectively and efficiently. The ADD builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. Applications must be submitted by September 29.

DHCS is also hiring for its Civil Rights, Integrated Systems of Care, Capitated Rates Development, 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.

CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup Meeting

On September 24, from 12 to 2 p.m. PDT, DHCS will virtually host the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and Duals Integration Workgroup meeting (advance registration required). The workgroup is a stakeholder collaboration hub for CalAIM MLTSS and integrated care for dual eligible members. It allows stakeholders to provide feedback and share information about policy, operations, and strategy for upcoming changes to Medi-Cal and Medicare. The meeting agenda includes updates on the 2026 Medi-Medi Plan Expansion, Exclusively Aligned Enrollment Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Default Enrollment Pilot, 2026 D-SNP State Medicaid Agency Contract and Policy Guide, and duals data on Medicare Enrollment, Enhanced Care Management, and Community Supports. The meeting updates will be followed by a spotlight presentation on “Dementia Care and Caregiver Supports" for dual eligible members. More information, background materials, transcripts, and video recordings of previous workgroup meetings are posted on the CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup webpage. For questions or comments, please email DHCS at info@calduals.org.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series

On September 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar and share an overview of Presumptive Eligibility programs, the Newborn Gateway, and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (advance registration required). Coverage Ambassadors help spread the word about Medi-Cal benefits, enrollment information, and new projects focused on creating a healthy California for all. Please visit the Coverage Ambassador website for more information, including how to subscribe and receive regular updates.

DHCS Partnership with CalABLE: Webinar

On October 1, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will participate in a webinar hosted by California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE). This session, Understanding CalABLE and Medi-Cal: Save Without Sacrifice, is designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families learn more about CalABLE and Medi-Cal. The webinar will cover how CalABLE and Medi-Cal work together to help families save and invest money without losing access to health care and other essential public benefits. Attendees will include CalABLE account holders, people with disabilities and their families, state employees, and service providers. The webinar will have American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters and closed captions, and will conclude with a live Q&A session. If you have any questions, please email calable@treasurer.ca.gov.

Comprehensive IUD and Contraceptive Implant Placement Training

From October 15 to 17, DHCS will oversee a three-day training series where providers will build skills and confidence in intrauterine device (IUD) and contraceptive implant services (advance registration required). Participants will earn Continuing Medical Education credits through expert clinical instruction and hands-on practice designed to expand access to long-acting reversible contraception across California. Please email OFPprovidertrainings@dhcs.ca.gov if you have any questions.

Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)/Behavioral Health (BH)-SAC Meeting

On October 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the hybrid SAC/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.​