October 13, 2025

Top News

Latest Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Quarterly Report Available

On October 10, DHCS released the latest Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports quarterly report, covering data from January 2022 through March 2025. These services help Medi-Cal members stay healthier and avoid more costly health care services, such as emergency department visits and hospital stays. Key highlights from Q1 2025 include:

• ECM enrollment increased 61 percent compared to Q1 2024, with 177,527 members served.
• ECM enrollment among children and youth more than doubled.
• Community Supports reached more than 429,000 members, with more than 1.1 million services delivered.
• Nearly 94 percent of Medi-Cal members have access to at least 10 Community Supports.
• The most used services include medically tailored meals and housing-related supports.

​Additionally, to support the expansion of ECM and Community Supports, DHCS has awarded more than $1.43 billion through its Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) initiatives, including Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED), Collaborative Planning and Implementation (CPI), and the Technical Assistance Marketplace. This work helps Californians live healthier, more stable lives.

Medi-Medi Plans Available During Medicare Open Enrollment

During Medicare open enrollment, October 15 through December 7, eligible Californians can enroll in Medi-Medi Plans, a type of Medicare Advantage plan that combines Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one coordinated plan. In 2026, these plans will be available in 41 counties, up from 12 counties in 2025. Medi-Medi Plans currently serve approximately 330,000 members. Starting in 2026, nine new Medi-Medi Plans will launch, and three existing Medi-Medi Plans will expand, to serve 461,000 potential members in 29 additional counties. Medi-Medi Plans simplify care with one member identification card, one care team, and integrated services across medical, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports. They also include wraparound Medi-Cal services and specialized care coordination. Joining a Medi-Medi Plan is voluntary. To join one, members can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or call Medi-Cal's Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077). If already enrolled in a Medi-Cal health plan, members may call the plan directly and ask about their Medi-Medi Plan option. For more information, visit the DHCS Medi-Medi Plan webpage.

Program Updates

Proposed Amendment to Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 1915(c) Waiver for Californians with  Developmental Disabilities

DHCS is seeking input from members, providers, and other interested stakeholders on the proposed amendment to the Medi-Cal HCBS 1915(c) Waiver for Californians with Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-DD waiver). Under the Lanterman Act administered by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), people with developmental disabilities are eligible to receive services and supports that meet their individual needs and choices. DDS, under DHCS oversight, ensures that the HCBS-DD waiver is implemented by Regional Centers in accordance with Medicaid law and the State's approved waiver application. Regional centers coordinate, provide, arrange, and/or purchase the services and supports available under the HCBS-DD waiver.

DHCS plans to submit the proposed waiver amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by November 28, for a proposed effective date of March 1, 2026. Copies of the proposed amendment can be obtained, and comments may be submitted, by emailing Federal.Programs@dds.ca.gov. Please include “HCBS Waiver" in the subject line or message. To ensure consideration, comments must be received by November 12. While comments submitted after this date will still be accepted, DHCS may not be able to review them before submitting the HCBS-DD waiver amendment to CMS.

New allcove Youth Drop-In Center Opens in San Juan Capistrano

On October 9, DHCS announced the opening of a new allcove youth drop-in center in San Juan Capistrano, funded through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) and in partnership with the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. The centers are designed with and for youth, expanding access to evidence-based, youth-driven behavioral health services for people aged 12-25 in Orange County. The center offers mental health support, physical health, peer services, substance use support, and education and employment resources in one welcoming, stigma-free space. This investment is a part of CYBHI's broader effort to transform California's behavioral health system by reducing barriers to care, supporting community connections, and building a youth-centered, coordinated system of support across California. For more information about site details and access, please visit allcove San Juan Capistrano.

Join Our Team

DHCS is seeking talented and motivated individuals to serve as:
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• Chief, Integrated Systems of Care Division. The Chief leads delivery, compliance, and monitoring activities for statewide health care systems for vulnerable populations who are eligible for Medi-Cal and other state health care programs and services. Applications must be submitted by October 14.
  

• Chief, CA-MMIS Operations Division. The Chief leads the administration, oversight, and monitoring of DHCS' Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Business Operations and FI-Maintenance and Operations (M&O) contracts for the Medi-Cal program. In this role, the Chief also provides oversight of the FI-M&O vendor and related systems used to assist with the processing of approximately $21 billion annually in Medi-Cal claim payments. Applications must be submitted by October 16.

DHCS is also hiring for its Audits and Investigations, Fiscal, Strategic Planning and Workforce Development, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars

DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on the DHCS 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 (CCS) Advisory Group Meeting

On October 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the quarterly California Children's Services 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 and Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy benefits. Additional information and meeting details are available on the CCS Advisory Group webpage. Please email CCSProgram@dhcs.ca.gov if you have any questions.

Comprehensive Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Contraceptive Implant Placement Training 

On October 15-17, DHCS' Office of Family Planning will host the Comprehensive IUD and Contraceptive Implant Placement Training series. Participants may choose between IUD and Implant Placement training on October 15-16, from 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. (advance registration required), with both days covering the same content. This training is designed for both new and experienced providers who want to build or refine their skills in IUD placement and removal. The agenda covers patient counseling and consent, method selection, instrument use, and step-by-step instruction for all U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved IUDs. Participants will receive hands-on practice with pelvic models and computer simulators under the guidance of family planning experts. Advanced topics include managing side effects, pain control, troubleshooting difficult placements, and creating clinic flow for same-day IUD services.

Alternatively, participants may select the Implant-Only Placement on October 17, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (advance registration required). Participants will receive hands-on training for NEXPLANON® placement and removal procedures as well as implant localization techniques. For more IUD resources, visit IUD & Implant Resources.

Behavioral Health Transformation Community Planning Process: Webinar

On October 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public informational webinar on engaging in the Behavioral Health Services Act Community Planning Process. This process represents the local stakeholder and partner engagement requirement for each county's Integrated Plan under the Behavioral Health Services Act. During the session, participants will learn how to become involved in the Community Planning Process, how DHCS evaluates meaningful stakeholder engagement in the Integrated Plan, and about resources available to help foster engagement efforts. Individuals must register to participate virtually. Visit the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for more information and resources.

Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee: Webinar

On October 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the eighth Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee (QEAC) public webinar (advance registration required). During the meeting, committee members will collaborate and provide feedback on DHCS' work to measure and evaluate the quality and efficacy of behavioral health services and programs in California. Attendees can provide direct input to DHCS using the Q&A feature. Visit the Behavioral Health Transformation Stakeholder Engagement webpage for more information about the QEAC webinars and additional resources. Please send any questions related to Behavioral Health Transformation and/or the QEAC webinars to BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov.

ACES Aware Learning Center Webinar

On October 23, from 12 to 1 p.m. PDT., DHCS' ACEs Aware initiative will hold a webinar, California Providers: Support Youth Behavioral Health with These Free Digital Tools (advance registration required). As part of the Implementation with Intention series, the ACES Aware Learning Center will feature the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platforms developed through the CYBHI, which include Mirror, Soluna, and BrightLife Kids. The presentations will include insights on how these platforms can be integrated into care pathways, enhance engagement with young populations, and extend the reach of behavioral health services across diverse communities.

Strengthening Connections with Children and Youth Best Practices: Webinar

On October 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public webinar, Strengthening Connections with Children and Youth Providers (advance registration required). The webinar is part of a series of PATH CPI webinars designed to highlight best practices for implementing ECM and Community Supports, increase providers' successful participation in California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), and improve collaboration with Medi-Cal health plans, state and local government agencies, and others to build and deliver quality benefits and services to Medi-Cal members. The webinar will demonstrate how First 5 programs across California are working with ECM and Community Supports services and providers and explain how schools and school districts help connect children and families with local organizations, youth programs, and health plans. All webinar recordings and best practices resources will be made available at ca-path.com/collaborative under the “Best Practices and Resources" section. For questions, please email collaborative@ca-path.com.

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.

In Case You Missed It

Smile, California: Mobile Dental Van Event (Inyo County)

On October 16-18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, mobile dental van events will be held in Inyo County to provide free dental services. The van will be located at 1360 N Main Street in Bishop. Smile, California will support the events with a custom flyer, social media posts, and a Smile Alert to notify members and partners of the event. Visitors are encouraged to call 1-888-585-3368 to pre-register and complete the consent forms before the event.

Transitional Rent Payment Methodology

​On October 3, DHCS released the final Transitional Rent Payment Methodology. This document includes the maximum reimbursable amount (“reimbursable ceilings") and administrative fees associated with Transitional Rent—the newest Community Supports service designed to provide up to six months of rental assistance for Medi-Cal members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and meet additional eligibility criteria. As outlined in the Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 2, Medi-Cal managed care plans must cover Transitional Rent for the behavioral health population as the first mandatory Community Supports service beginning on January 1, 2026. To provide more information about the Transitional Rent Payment Methodology, DHCS will host a webinar on October 31, from 10 to 11 a.m. DHCS also encourages partners and stakeholders to visit the ECM and Community Supports webpage for more information and the new DHCS Housing for Health webpage for updates on various DHCS-led housing-focused initiatives.