DHCS Stakeholder News - June 9, 2023
Program Updates
CARE Court Independent Evaluation
On June 7, DHCS issued a Request for Information (RFI) #22-048: CARE Court Independent Evaluation to solicit information from interested parties with the necessary knowledge and experience to conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE Act). Work to support the independent evaluation will include developing logic models and hypotheses, surveying program participants, and assessing the impact of CARE Court participation on program outcome measures defined in statute, including improvements in housing status and reductions in emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations. RFI submissions are due on July 5 by 4 p.m. PDT.
DHCS Releases CalAIM Data Sharing Authorization Guidance for Public Comment
On June 8, DHCS released the updated CalAIM Data Sharing Authorization Guidance (Version 2.0) for public comment through June 29. This document provides specific guidance on data privacy and data-sharing consent laws, regulations, and rules for individuals and organizations that are providing or overseeing the delivery of Medi-Cal health services, including physical health, behavioral health, and social services, under the conditions of Assembly Bill 133 (Chapter 143, Statutes of 2021), which permits disclosure of personal information if such disclosure helps implement CalAIM and is consistent with federal law, making it easier for providers to share data.
Public comments should be submitted via this survey. (Disclaimer: DHCS emphasizes that the guidance contained in this document is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice.)
Join Our Team
DHCS is hiring for our fiscal, human resources, legal, auditing, health policy, and information technology teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.
DHCS is dedicated to preserving and improving the overall health and well-being of all Californians. DHCS' mission is to provide the most vulnerable residents with equitable access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, and is currently transforming the Medi-Cal program to make sure it provides the care Californians need to live healthier, happier lives.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars
DHCS CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup June Meeting
On June 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., DHCS will virtually host the CalAIM Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and Duals Integration Workgroup meeting (advance registration required). The workgroup serves as a stakeholder collaboration hub for CalAIM MLTSS and integrated care for dual eligible members and allows stakeholders to provide feedback and share information about policy, operations, and strategy for upcoming changes to Medi-Cal and Medicare.
Background materials, transcripts, and video recordings of the previous workgroup meetings, along with additional information about the workgroup, are posted on the CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup webpage. For questions or comments, please email DHCS at info@calduals.org.
Doula Implementation Workgroup Meeting
On June 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., DHCS will host a Doula Implementation Workgroup meeting to address the requirements of Senate Bill 65 (Chapter 449, Statutes of 2021) to examine the implementation of doula services as a covered Medi-Cal benefit. The meeting will focus on identifying barriers impeding access to doula services, recommending outreach efforts to help ensure Medi-Cal members are aware of the option to use doula services, and identifying and minimizing delays in payments to Medi-Cal doulas or in reimbursements to Medi-Cal members for services received.
The workgroup includes doulas, health care providers, consumer and community advocates, health plans, county representatives, and other stakeholders with experience in doula services. Information about the doula benefit is available on the DHCS webpage for doula services. A link for the public to listen to the meeting will be posted on that webpage by June 19. Written comments may be emailed to DoulaBenefit@dhcs.ca.gov.
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) for Children and Youth
On June 23, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., DHCS will host a virtual event (advance registration required) in advance of the launch of ECM for Children and Youth Populations of Focus (POF) on July 1. DHCS leaders will be joined by a panel of providers, community-based organizations (CBOs), and MCPs to provide:
- A reminder of the design and operational guidance for the Children and Youth POF
- Examples of how providers are preparing to launch ECM for the Children and Youth POF
- Guidance to MCPs, counties, and other providers on contracting for the ECM benefit.
This webinar is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. It will be of special interest to MCPs and providers working with children and youth, and for those who are new to contracting with MCPs, such as counties and CBOs. Please submit questions to CalAIMECMILOS@dhcs.ca.gov no later than June 19.
In Case You Missed It
California Submits Federal Demonstration to Strengthen Reproductive Health Access
On June 8, California submitted a new demonstration project under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, entitled California's Reproductive Health Access Demonstration (CalRHAD), to CMS. The purpose of this application is to seek federal approval for a three-year demonstration agreement to bolster California's sexual and reproductive health delivery system, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to a broad range of sexual and reproductive health services.
Through the CalRHAD demonstration, California seeks authority to provide grants to reproductive health providers to enhance capacity and access to sexual and reproductive health services, while also promoting the sustainability of California's reproductive health provider safety net for the benefit of individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and other individuals who currently face barriers to access.
California's submission builds upon the state's existing investments in reproductive health services. CalRHAD aligns with the state's efforts to promote equitable access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Resources on COVID-19 Medications
The DHCS COVID-19 webpage (under Treatment section) now offers resources from CDPH about COVID-19 medications. CDPH has been working to increase awareness about effective medications that treat COVID-19 through an educational campaign that includes materials about the medications, how to access them, and frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 medications are encouraged for most adults, since many are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying conditions or other factors. Not everyone is aware that they have conditions that make them eligible for COVID-19 medications, so those who have symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to see a health care provider. Seeking COVID-19 medication early before the illness gets serious can make a big difference.
Coming Soon: Care Economy Payments for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Direct Care Workers
On June 12, DHCS will open the application process for HCBS organizations to apply for a $500 one-time incentive payment on behalf of their employees. The application will close on July 10. The incentive payment is specifically for non-In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) HCBS direct care workers who provided HCBS to vulnerable populations in a community setting for at least two months between March 2020 and March 2022 during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Send questions to HCBSCareEconomyPayments@dhcs.ca.gov. More information on this project, including eligibility requirements and the application link, is available on the Care Economy Payments for HCBS Direct Care Workers webpage and the Home and Community-Based Services Spending Plan webpage.
