November 17, 2025
Top News
Behavioral Health Services Act County Policy Manual Performance Measures: Public Comment Period Now Open
On November 17, DHCS opened the public comment period for the first set of proposed performance measures for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) County Policy Manual. The manual is a phased guide for implementing BHSA, California's modernized framework for expanding access, equity, and accountability in behavioral health care. The manual helps counties, providers, and community partners shape statewide reform. Developed with input from the public and experts through venues like the Quality and Equity Advisory Committee (QEAC), the performance measures will replace the initial set of broad, population-level indicators with detailed data tied to statewide goals like reducing homelessness, institutionalization, and justice involvement. This means counties can design more targeted interventions, monitor real outcomes, and ensure accountability, leading to smarter planning, greater transparency, and more equitable results as part of the state's broader Mental Health for All initiative.
In the coming months, additional performance measures will be developed for the remaining statewide behavioral health goals with input from the QEAC. These measures are designed to improve outcomes for Californians most impacted by behavioral health challenges, including youth, people experiencing homelessness, and communities of color, by promoting data-driven planning, targeted service delivery, and accountability. To submit your comments, email BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov with the subject line, “Feedback on Performance Measures" by December 2 at 4 p.m. PST.
Program Updates
Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Population-Based Prevention Program Guide – Phase 2
On November 10, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) opened the public comment period for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Population-Based Prevention Program Guide – Phase 2. This guide outlines how the state will use BHSA funds to support prevention efforts that promote mental health and reduce the risk of substance use disorder. It details the operational steps, funding, and strategies for statewide and local action from 2026 to 2029. The finalized Phase 1 and Phase 2 guides collectively form the CDPH Final Plan for the BHSA Statewide Population-Based Prevention Program, which will launch in July 2026. CDPH invites interested parties and Tribes to review the Phase 2 Guide and submit written public comment by Tuesday, December 2, at 11:59 p.m. PST. A virtual public webinar was held on November 13 to provide an overview of the guide and allow for verbal or written feedback. The session was recorded and posted on the CDPH BHSA Partner and Community Engagement page. For more information, visit mentalhealth.ca.gov or email BHSAinfo@cdph.ca.gov.
Join Our Team
DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, Behavioral Health, Fiscal, 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.
CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup Meeting
On November 19, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will 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 (EAE) Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) default enrollment pilot, and 2026 D-SNP State Medicaid Agency Contract and Policy Guide. It will also cover Medi-Medi Plan coordination with county behavioral health and duals data on Medicare Enrollment. 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 November 20, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar (advanced registration required). DHCS will share overviews of the Medi-Cal adult expansion enrollment freeze and asset limit reinstatement and upcoming changes to the Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy benefit. 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 and to subscribe for regular updates.
In Case You Missed It
Now Open: Managed Care Enrollment Broker Procurement
On November 5, DHCS released Invitation for Proposal (IFP) 25-007 to entities that may be able to deliver Medi-Cal managed care plan enrollment services. The enrollment broker helps Medi-Cal members enroll in, change, or leave Medi-Cal managed care plans and select a primary care provider. The broker also creates and distributes informational materials and supports member education and outreach. DHCS will award a single contract to the applicant that meets all qualifications and demonstrates the greatest overall value to the state. The opportunity is open to all eligible applicants, including commercial businesses, nonprofit organizations, state or public universities (including auxiliary organizations), and other entities that meet the proposal requirements. For more information about this procurement, please visit the Procurement and Contract Division webpage.
