Kaum Hli Ntuj 13, 2025
Xov xwm tshaj plaws
Kev Txhim Kho Kev Tswj Xyuas Kev Pabcuam Tseeb thiab Kev Pabcuam Hauv Zej Zog Kev Tshaj Tawm Txog Peb Hlis Muaj
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:
- Kev tso npe ECM tau nce 61 feem pua piv rau Q1 2024, nrog 177,527 cov tswv cuab tau txais kev pab.
- Kev cuv npe ECM ntawm cov menyuam yaus thiab cov hluas muaj ntau dua ob npaug.
- Kev Txhawb Zej Zog tau mus txog ntau dua 429,000 tus tswv cuab, nrog ntau dua 1.1 lab cov kev pabcuam xa tuaj.
- Ze li ntawm 94 feem pua ntawm Medi-Cal cov tswv cuab tau nkag mus rau yam tsawg kawg 10 Cov Kev Txhawb Zej Zog.
- Cov kev pabcuam siv feem ntau suav nrog kev kho mob noj mov thiab kev txhawb nqa vaj tse.
Tsis tas li ntawd, txhawm rau txhawb kev nthuav dav ntawm ECM thiab Kev Txhawb Zej Zog, DHCS tau muab nyiaj ntau dua $ 1.43 billion los ntawm nws Muab Kev Nkag Mus thiab Hloov Kho Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv (PATH) cov kev pib, suav nrog Kev Hloov Pauv Hloov Pauv Hloov, Kev nthuav dav, thiab Kev Txhim Kho (CITED), Kev Npaj Ua Haujlwm thiab Kev Ua Haujlwm (CPI), thiab Kev Pabcuam Kev Lag Luam. Txoj haujlwm no pab cov neeg California muaj kev noj qab haus huv, lub neej ruaj khov dua.
Medi-Medi Plans muaj nyob rau hauv Medicare Qhib Sau Npe
Thaum lub sijhawm Medicare qhib rau npe, Lub Kaum Hli 15 txog Lub Kaum Ob Hlis 7, Cov Neeg California uas tsim nyog tuaj yeem tso npe rau hauv 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 lub vev xaib .
Kev hloov kho tshiab
Thov Kev Hloov Kho rau Medi-Cal Tsev thiab Cov Kev Pabcuam Hauv Zej Zog (HCBS) 1915(c) Kev zam rau cov neeg nyob hauv California uas muaj kev xiam oob khab
DHCS tab tom nrhiav kev tawm tswv yim los ntawm cov tswv cuab, cov neeg muab kev pab, thiab lwm cov neeg muaj feem cuam tshuam txog qhov kev hloov kho rau Medi-Cal HCBS 1915(c) Kev Zam Txim rau Californians nrog Kev Loj Hlob ( HCBS-DD kev zam ). 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 npaj yuav xa daim ntawv thov kev zam hloov mus rau Lub Chaw rau Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) los ntawm lub Kaum Ib Hlis 28, rau hnub tim uas tau thov rau lub Peb Hlis 1, 2026. Cov ntawv theej ntawm qhov kev hloov kho tuaj yeem tau txais, thiab cov lus tuaj yeem xa tuaj, los ntawm email 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 Qhib hauv 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.
Koom nrog peb pab neeg
DHCS tab tom nrhiav cov neeg muaj peev xwm thiab txhawb nqa los ua haujlwm xws li:
- Chief, Integrated Systems of Care Division. Tus Thawj Coj ua tus xa khoom, ua raws, thiab saib xyuas cov haujlwm rau cov kab ke kev noj qab haus huv thoob plaws lub xeev rau cov neeg tsis muaj zog uas tsim nyog tau txais Medi-Cal thiab lwm lub xeev cov kev pab cuam kho mob thiab cov kev pabcuam. Cov ntawv thov yuav tsum xa ua ntej Lub Kaum Hli 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.
Cov Rooj Sib Tham Cov Neeg Koom Tes thiab Webinar yuav los tom ntej
DHCS tshaj tawm cov rooj sib tham pej xeem yav tom ntej ntawm DHCS Calendar of Events. DHCS muab cov kev pabcuam pub dawb, suav nrog kev txhais lus, kev sau npe hauv lub sijhawm, thiab hloov pauv cov ntaub ntawv sib tham. Txhawm rau thov kev pabcuam, thov xa email rau DHCS ntawm tus email chaw nyob uas tsim nyog tsawg kawg kaum hnub ua haujlwm ua ntej lub rooj sib tham.
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) thiab 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.
Cwj Pwm Kev Noj Qab Haus Huv Hloov Pauv Txheej Txheem Kev Npaj Zej Zog: 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.
Txhim khu kev sib txuas nrog Cov Me Nyuam thiab Cov Hluas Kev Ua Zoo Tshaj Plaws: 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 Lub Rooj Sib Tham
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.
Hauv Case Koj Tsis Tau Nws
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.