Official website of the State of California
Translate
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today announced the release of the Implementation Plan for New Federal Eligibility and Enrollment Changes Under H.R. 1, outlining the state’s approach to implementing new federal requirements under H.R. 1. These changes, which start as early as October 2026, are expected to impact millions of Californians statewide.
“California is committed to implementing these federally required changes in a way that protects coverage and supports our members,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible by providing clear information, reducing administrative burdens, and working closely with members, counties, health plans, and community partners.”
DHCS is working to minimize disruption and maintain continuity of coverage for Medi-Cal members. The plan provides details on upcoming changes, guiding principles for implementation, and resources for members and stakeholders to prepare for transitions. About 2 million Medi-Cal members, primarily within the new adult expansion group, are at risk of losing health coverage due to these federal changes.
Key principles of the plan include:
DHCS will host an All-Comer Webinar on February 5 to review the plan and answer questions. Learn more and read the plan.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
New data show notable growth in Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today released new data showing continued growth and impact from Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports, key components of California’s Medi-Cal transformation under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative.
“These services help Medi-Cal members stay healthier and avoid other, costlier care, such as emergency department visits and hospital stays,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We appreciate the hard work and commitment of Medi-Cal managed care plan providers and partners. Together, we are building a health care delivery system that supports whole-person care for Medi-Cal members.”
The latest quarterly report includes trends since January 2022 and new data from April through June 2025, covering state, county, and managed care plan-level information on members served, service use, and provider networks.
ECM REACHES MORE CALIFORNIANS: ECM helps people with complex health and social needs, including homelessness, serious mental illness, or frequent hospital visits, coordinate the care they need, wherever they are. Since its launch in January 2022, ECM has connected more than 451,000 Medi-Cal members to high-touch, person-centered care coordination through a Lead Care Manager who helps navigate physical, behavioral, and social services.
In the second quarter of 2025, ECM enrollment rose, particularly among children and youth. More than 47,000 children and youth received ECM, a 102 percent increase from the same period last year. Nearly 3,600 adults transitioning from incarceration and more than 16,000 children and youth experiencing homelessness also received ECM, increases of 83 percent and 164 percent compared to the same period last year, respectively. To meet this demand, provider networks expanded significantly, with providers serving these populations increasing by more than 80 percent year-over-year.
“Every expansion means more Californians have access to services that keep them stable, healthy, and supported,” said State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith. “We’re focused on making these programs even more accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORTS GROWTH: Community Supports provide cost-effective, community-based alternatives to traditional medical care, addressing housing, nutrition, and other social drivers of health. Since launching in January 2022, these services have become a cornerstone of whole-person care in Medi-Cal.
As of June 2025, more than 520,000 Medi-Cal members have accessed Community Supports, with more than 1.3 million services delivered statewide. Access continues to expand, as nearly all Medi-Cal members now have access to at least 10 Community Supports, and most (94 percent) can choose from the full suite of services. Medically tailored meals and housing-related services remain among the most utilized.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: The growth of ECM and Community Supports reflects California’s commitment. These services are critical tools in addressing challenges, such as homelessness, behavioral health access, and support for families and youth with complex needs.
As a part of this commitment to improving health outcomes, California expanded the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative, which requires managed care plans to provide care coordination and medical and behavioral health services up to 90 days before release, ensuring continuity of care during reentry to communities. This initiative, which is supporting members with pre-release services and making connections for ongoing care through post-release ECM, went live in October 2024 with three counties, expanded to state prisons in February 2025, and is now active in 13 counties. All counties statewide are required to offer these services by October 2026.
INVESTING IN CAPACITY: To support the expansion of ECM and Community Supports, DHCS has awarded more than $1.66 billion through its Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) initiatives, including Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED), Collaborative Planning and Implementation, Justice-Involved Capacity Building program, and Technical Assistance Marketplace. These funds help community-based organizations, clinics, and local agencies grow their capacity by hiring staff, upgrading systems, and improving care coordination. The fourth and final round of PATH CITED grant awardees was announced in November 2025.
WHAT’S NEXT: DHCS will continue listening to Medi-Cal members who use ECM and Community Supports. Feedback gathered through surveys, focus groups, and other outreach will guide improvements to make these services easier to access, more effective, and more responsive to California’s diverse communities.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today announced a major milestone in Medi-Cal transformation: 139 organizations have successfully completed Round 1 projects under the Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Capacity and Infrastructure, Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED) grants. These organizations completed capacity-building projects designed to strengthen their ability to deliver Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports, cornerstones of DHCS’ commitment to build a more equitable, person-centered Medi-Cal delivery system under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM).
“PATH CITED Round 1 shows what’s possible when we invest in community-driven solutions,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “These projects are improving access and coordination while laying the foundation for a Medi-Cal system that is more responsive, inclusive, and equitable for all Californians.”
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CALIFORNIANS: Across the state, these projects expanded ECM and Community Supports by training hundreds of new staff, including care managers and outreach workers, investing in electronic health records to improve care coordination, and developing peer-led outreach models while hosting hundreds of community events to build trust with populations that have historically faced barriers to accessing care. Together, these efforts are creating a stronger, more equitable Medi-Cal delivery system that meets members where they are and delivers whole-person, community-based care.
ECM and Community Supports are transforming Medi-Cal by keeping people with complex health needs out of emergency rooms, nursing homes, and homelessness. These services provide hands-on care coordination and practical supports—like housing navigation, medically tailored meals, and home modifications—that help members manage chronic conditions and recover safely at home. By addressing both medical and social needs, ECM and Community Supports prevent crises before they happen, improving health outcomes and reducing costly hospital visits.
REAL IMPACT: A new video (above) showcases the voices of Round 1 awardees discussing the impact of these funds on their ability to serve Medi-Cal members. From expanding behavioral health services to launching innovative outreach programs, these stories highlight how local partners are becoming Medi-Cal providers and driving change that will result in lasting health benefits for Californians. Some successful projects include:
BY THE NUMBERS:
BACKGROUND: Launched in early 2023, PATH CITED Round 1 awarded $203 million in grant funding to a diverse group of organizations, community-based organizations, county agencies, Tribal entities, hospitals, and Medi-Cal managed care plan partners to expedite adoption of new services, contract directly with plans, and implement billing systems for innovative care models. These investments help new and existing providers integrate into the Medi-Cal system and sustain services beyond PATH funding.
LOOKING AHEAD: DHCS extends its deepest gratitude to all Round 1 awardees for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of Medi-Cal members. These organizations have built trust, expanded access, and laid the groundwork for lasting change in communities across California. To explore more impact stories, visit the PATH CITED website or email questions to cited@ca-path.com.
Round 2 projects are expected to be finalized early this year, continuing this momentum. To date, DHCS has awarded more than $1.66 billion to more than 2,200 organizations through its PATH initiatives, including CITED, Collaborative Planning and Implementation, Justice-Involved Capacity Building Program, and Technical Assistance Marketplace.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today released the 2024 quality ratings for Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP) and county behavioral health plans (BHP), highlighting measurable improvements in care quality, expanded oversight, and a deepening commitment to health equity across the state’s Medi-Cal delivery system.
This is the fourth year of MCP ratings and the third for BHPs. The ratings are based on performance against the Managed Care Accountability Set and Behavioral Health Accountability Set measures for services delivered from January to December 2024. These measures evaluate how well plans deliver high-quality, equitable care across key domains, such as preventive services, behavioral health, maternal health, and chronic disease management. They also inform DHCS’ oversight of managed care and county behavioral health systems, supporting enforcement actions, such as monetary sanctions and Corrective Action Plans (CAP), when performance standards are not met. Among the key findings:
BHPs are being held accountable through CAPs, with 10 of 56 Mental Health Plans and 29 of 38 Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System plans receiving CAPs based on performance calculated using Medi-Cal Connect, DHCS’ statewide data analytics platform.
“These results reflect our shared commitment to advancing quality and equity across the Medi-Cal delivery system,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We are seeing real progress in areas like children’s preventive care, dental services, and behavioral health performance. We know there’s more work to do, and we’re holding ourselves and our partners accountable every step of the way.”
DHCS is transitioning to performance-based oversight with a strong emphasis on equity and data-driven progress. For example, in 2025, the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Access, Reform and Outcomes Incentive Program began offering payments to BHPs that demonstrate progress on key behavioral health measures.
“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making real, positive changes in the way care is delivered,” said Dr. Palav Babaria, Chief Quality and Medical Officer and Deputy Director of Quality and Population Health Management. “We’re doing it in partnership with our MCP and BHP partners, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far. Every step we take is about building a Medi-Cal health care delivery system that works for all members.”
Dr. Babaria added, “By leveraging data, aligning incentives, and listening to the voices of Medi-Cal members, we’re creating a system that not only measures performance, but also supports continuous learning and improvement. Our goal is to ensure that every Californian, regardless of geography or background, has access to high-quality, coordinated care.”
Updated fact sheets, enforcement reports, and sanction letters are available on the Medi-Cal Managed Care Monitoring page.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today awarded nearly $47 million in grants to 57 community-based and Tribal organizations throughout California to help prevent substance use among youth. These grants support programs that focus on mentoring, peer support, and civic engagement for young people in communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing these services.
“This funding empowers youth to lead change in their communities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “By supporting culturally responsive, peer-led programs, we’re investing in the resilience and long-term wellness of California’s young people.”
Each organization will receive up to $1 million in total over a three-year period, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, to implement the Elevate Youth California (EYC) program. EYC is designed to help youth ages 12 to 26 build leadership skills, connect with mentors, and access culturally responsive support services.
WHY THIS MATTERS:This funding is part of a larger effort by DHCS to strengthen California’s substance use disorder prevention programs. EYC helps youth-serving organizations use evidence-based and community-driven approaches to support young people. Programs funded through EYC are healing-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically responsive. EYC prioritizes substance use prevention and public health strategies that build resilience.
This investment also supports Governor Gavin Newsom’s Path & Purpose executive order, which calls on state agencies to support young men and boys in service and leadership and provide meaningful and caring adult relationships for young people living in the highest need communities. All awarded organizations welcome young men and boys. While EYC requires that funded initiatives focus on underserved communities, all genders may participate. DHCS’ 2024 Annual Report shows that 37 percent of the population served by EYC programs are boys.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: “Elevate Youth California funding has been more than just support, but transformative in our practices as a program,” said Ilien Tolteca, Youth Coordinator for the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project. “This funding has allowed us to create and enhance our satellite sites across our city, serving and fostering community with 60 to 100 Indigenous youth from the Mixteco, Zapotec, and many other Diasporic communities throughout the Central Coast. It has strengthened autonomous youth leadership, cultural knowledge, and accessibility to higher education resources/tools for our youth.”
“The EYC grant has allowed us to provide vital prevention services to foster youth, youth on probation, and others in our community,” said Anthony Hughey, Executive Director of The Young People’s Foundation, Inc. “We’ve built long-term relationships with youth from underserved Black and brown communities and developed peer leaders who are driving change.”
ABOUT EYC: Since EYC launched in 2019, DHCS has awarded more than $370 million through 517 grants. EYC is funded by Proposition 64, passed by voters in November 2016, which legalized adult non-medical marijuana use in California and created a tax system to regulate cannabis sales. A portion of that tax revenue supports EYC through DHCS, funding youth-focused prevention and leadership programs statewide. These grants support youth development, civic engagement, and peer-led support in 56 of California’s 58 counties.
PATH AND PURPOSE: In July, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to address a growing issue — the alarming rise in suicides and disconnection among California’s young men and boys. The order directs a coordinated statewide response to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to meaningful education, work, and mentorship opportunities. The full executive order can be found here. The executive order helps address this crisis, directing state agencies to create a new focus on this issue and developing new pathways to help reconnect men and boys with the support, assistance, and help they need.
To see the full list of EYC grant recipients and learn more about EYC, visit www.elevateyouthca.org.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today announced $145.5 million in awards to 153 organizations across all 58 counties to strengthen services for Medi-Cal members. Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports are core components of California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), DHCS’ broad transformation of Medi-Cal to create a more coordinated, person-centered, and equitable health system that works for all Californians. They offer tailored, community-based services, including in-person care coordination, housing support, and other vital resources for Medi-Cal members with complex needs. The awards are part of the Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Capacity and Infrastructure, Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED) initiative, which helps local providers grow their ability to deliver whole-person, community-based care.
To support the expansion of ECM and Community Supports, DHCS has awarded more than $1.66 billion to more than 2,200 organizations through its PATH initiatives, including CITED, Collaborative Planning and Implementation, and the Technical Assistance Marketplace. These efforts have already reached more than 373,000 ECM enrollees, delivered more than one million Community Support services, and dramatically expanded access for children and youth, with a 120 percent year-over-year increase in early 2025 alone.
“PATH CITED represents a vital investment in the future of Medi-Cal and the health of California,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “By empowering local providers, many of whom serve historically under-resourced communities, we are strengthening the foundation of a more equitable, person-centered delivery system. Together, we’re creating lasting change that connects Medi-Cal members to the care and support they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the partnerships that made it possible.”
Recent data show that investments like these are resulting in long-term savings for California’s Medi-Cal program. Community Supports have been proven cost-effective, reducing avoidable emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and long-term care use. By investing now, DHCS is helping ensure a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable health care system for the future.
Watch the below short video to hear directly from past awardees about how PATH CITED funding has helped them expand services, hire staff, and build stronger connections with their communities.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: ECM and Community Supports offer tailored, community-based services, including in-person care coordination, housing support, and other vital resources for Medi-Cal members with complex needs. PATH CITED is helping ECM and Community Supports providers transition, expand, and develop their capacity to provide local, coordinated care for member communities. Awardees will use funds to:
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “ECM and Community Supports are transforming how we care for Medi-Cal members with diverse and often intensive needs,” said Susan Philip, Deputy Director of DHCS’ Health Care Delivery Systems. “Just like in prior PATH CITED rounds, we are investing in the infrastructure and workforce that make whole-person care possible, ensuring that providers have the tools they need to deliver timely, compassionate, and coordinated care.”
“Thanks to PATH CITED support, Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara has turned an idea into a thriving clinic that continues to expand its reach and impact,” said Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara Interim CEO Stephanie R. Drake, PhD. “The Integrated Health Clinic is a model for collaborative, patient-centered care, bridging critical gaps in services and ensuring that Medi-Cal members receive the timely, high-quality, and compassionate care they deserve.”
“We did not have the staffing to follow up with people once they were housed, which led to more instability,” said Ronni Duncan, Care Management Manager at Adventist Health, a CITED awardee from previous rounds. “PATH CITED funds have allowed us to expand staffing, fill service gaps, and let case managers focus on their specific roles. Most of all, these programs have helped build community and provide hope and healing to people who may not have had access to the healing support we offer.”
“Thanks to PATH CITED funding, we are building a growing team of skilled case managers to meet our patients where they are – in homes, coffee shops, and throughout their communities to build trust and transform care,” said Jeniffer Zamora, Community Health Program Manager at Peach Tree Health, a CITED awardee from previous rounds.
“Supported by PATH CITED funding, Rady Children’s Hospital’s ECM program has expanded from San Diego County to also serve Riverside County,” said Russell Gagui, ECM Manager at Rady Children’s Hospital, a CITED Round 2 awardee. “As we grow, we remain committed to the principles that make pediatric ECM work: hiring from within the communities we serve, designing systems that support families’ real-world needs, and centering every effort around improving the lives of children with complex medical and social needs.”
“Through the CITED grants, we have been able to expand access to recuperative care and strengthen care coordination by hiring additional staff as well as updating our internal data systems, which has allowed us more time to focus on the acute needs of our clients,” said Tracy Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of Rooted Life, a CITED Round 3 awardee. “CITED grants have been pivotal in allowing us to create robust program where we can focus on the stability and recovery of our clients.”
HOW WE GOT HERE: PATH is a five-year, $1.85 billion initiative launched in 2022, providing funds for community-based organizations, county agencies, hospitals, Tribes, and other community providers to support improved health care management and delivery through the Medi-Cal system. Recipients of PATH CITED awards are committed to serving historically under-resourced and underserved populations.
WHAT’S NEXT: Round 4 is the final PATH CITED funding round. DHCS will continue to listen to Medi-Cal members and providers to improve service delivery, making care more accessible, effective, and responsive to California’s diverse communities. This also includes utilizing the other PATH workstreams to listen intentionally and provide technical assistance, such as through the Technical Assistance Marketplace and the regional Collaborative Planning Implementation convenings. For more information about the PATH CITED initiative, visit the PATH website.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — California schools have long worked to meet student mental health needs, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is supporting these efforts through a new sustainable funding program that is already showing promising results.
Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Fee Schedule program, local educational agencies (LEA), which includes California public K-12 school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education, and public institutions of higher education (IHE), including public community colleges and universities, can sign up to participate in a reimbursement pathway for mental health and substance use screenings, treatment, and case management. This creates a sustainable funding source for school-based care. This innovative multi-payer program breaks down barriers and puts students first, creating a more seamless experience for youth seeking help with mental health. More than 500 LEAs and IHEs have already signed up and are actively onboarding.
Although still early in implementation, this first-in-the-nation effort is already demonstrating positive results: schools and their partners have received more than $1.8 million in new funding for services provided to more than 5,000 students. As of October 15, 55 LEAs and IHEs have submitted more than 26,000 claims through the program, representing 32 Medi-Cal managed care plans and other insurers, including commercial plans. These outcomes reflect significant progress achieved in just more than a year since participants first became eligible to bill for services.
“Schools are often the first place students turn to for support,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Through the CYBHI Fee Schedule program, we’re helping schools meet that need by easing financial pressures and building a sustainable foundation for student mental health services, so every student has access to care when and where they need it.”
“We were lucky enough to be the first to successfully submit a service for billing, and we actually got our first check. It was only $77, but it was a big milestone,” said Nevada Joint Union High School District Director of Pupil Services Timothy Reid. As of November 3, the district had been reimbursed more than $30,000. Since the first claim was submitted in December 2024, the average reimbursement for an LEA/IHE is nearly $50,000, and multiple LEAs are nearing being reimbursed $1 million through the program.
NEW RESOURCES AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: To support program implementation, DHCS launched new public-facing and provider-facing information and resources to help schools and families navigate the program:
ABOUT THE CYBHI FEE SCHEDULE PROGRAM: The program requires Medi-Cal managed care plans, Medi-Cal fee-for-service providers, commercial health insurance plans, and disability insurers to reimburse school-linked providers for behavioral health services provided to students under age 26, with no out-of-pocket costs for families. As a result, schools now have a sustainable funding source through which to hire, train, and retain staff, increasing access to behavioral health services.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Youth mental needs have risen significantly in the last decade. California falls short of the recommended ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students, largely due to cost barriers. By creating a sustainable funding mechanism for providing these services, the CYBHI Fee Schedule program addresses this gap by funding school-based services, prioritizing early intervention, and expanding opportunities for the behavioral health workforce to meet growing demand. Research has shown an association between students who access services through a school-based health center and positive school attendance, particularly for students with a mental health diagnosis, suggesting that increased mental health support through school may improve school attendance.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “We’ve heard from California students across the state about the need to increase behavioral health support where they spend time – at schools. The CYBHI Fee Schedule program is answering the call,” said CYBHI Director Dr. Sohil Sud. “Through partnerships and deeper connections between schools and health plans, along with sustainable funding, schools can meet the behavioral health needs of students who need it most.”
“Together, we have made significant strides in our efforts to transform school-based behavioral health care in California. Our progress to date is a testament to the commitment and the collaborative efforts of our school-district, managed care plan and community partners,” said Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of DHCS’ Office of Strategic Partnerships. “With the foundation we’ve built, I am confident we will continue to succeed in making a lasting impact on the lives of students across the state.”
“Through the CYBHI Fee Schedule, our school district can continue to provide comprehensive, school-based behavioral health services, including assessments, counseling, prevention, and wellness programs, all at no cost to students and families. These funds will sustain and strengthen the vital program we have built to nurture the mental and emotional well-being of our students, while extending care to their families and our broader community,” said Jesus Chavarria, Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent.
“CYBHI’s involvement allows us to expand the services and support we can provide,” said Matthew Zavala, Mental Health Therapist at Silver Springs High School in Grass Valley. “When I started working at this school, mental health programming was very grassroots. Now, it’s more stable and secure. It really feels like mental health is part of the school system. On a smaller scale, it’s just nice to see students find a place where they feel welcome and have a positive school experience. Seeing both of those things happen simultaneously is a very rewarding part of this job.”
BIGGER PICTURE: The CYBHI Fee Schedule is part of the state’s broader effort to transform youth mental health care into a coordinated, equitable, and prevention-focused system. The CYBHI Fee Schedule program is the CYBHI’s flagship, a more than $4 billion investment to transform behavioral health services for children, youth, and families, and it is central to the Governor’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health. Learn more on the CYBHI Fee Schedule webpage.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — Taking a major step forward in inclusive policymaking, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council, a first-of-its-kind advisory group that brings together Medi-Cal members, caregivers, providers, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and county partners to shape the future of Medi-Cal policies, programs, and implementation. By embedding lived experience directly into the policymaking process, the council ensures that Medi-Cal policies and programs are grounded in the real needs of the people they serve and refined through collaboration with health care experts and system leaders.
The Voices and Vision Council held its inaugural meeting alongside the established Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee to launch a new collaborative structure that brings together lived experience and system expertise to shape Medi-Cal policy.
“The Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council is a vital platform for ensuring that Medi-Cal members and community partners help shape how we deliver care,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We are committed to strengthening our Medi-Cal program so it is more equitable, responsive, and grounded in the voices of the people we serve. This council reflects our belief that meaningful change and innovation begin with listening and acting on what people tell us they need.”
“Medi-Cal provides the nursing care that keeps my son healthy and safe at home with our family,” said Jenny McLelland, a parent and member of the Voices and Vision Council. “The council gives me the opportunity to share my experiences as a caregiver and ensures that families like mine have a voice in making Medi-Cal better for all Californians.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: The Voices and Vision Council and the Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee help ensure that Medi-Cal members remain at the heart of policy development and program administration. These two advisory bodies work in close partnership with DHCS leaders and policy experts to co-design equity-centered programs and policy solutions that reflect the real needs of members.
By engaging directly with members and stakeholders, DHCS is building the infrastructure to act on what matters most to the people it serves. Each quarterly meeting centers on insights shared by members and caregivers. These discussions help DHCS translate feedback into tangible improvements, strengthening how Medi-Cal supports communities across California.
BACKGROUND: In 2023, DHCS established the Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee, one of the first formal advisory groups in the country composed entirely of Medi-Cal members and people who support them, such as family members and caregivers. In 2024, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Rule, which requires all states to create two advisory bodies: a Beneficiary Advisory Council made up of members and caregivers, and a Medicaid Advisory Committee that includes providers and draws at least 25 percent of its membership from the Beneficiary Advisory Council by July 10, 2027.
To meet this requirement, California designated its existing Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee as the state’s Beneficiary Advisory Council and created the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council as its Medicaid Advisory Committee. Together, these groups are designed to create a continuous feedback loop: The Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee will meet first each quarter to surface themes and priorities from members and caregivers, which will then inform the Voices and Vision Council’s policy and operational discussions. Potential topics include access to care, service delivery, communication, and other issues that influence how Medi-Cal works for the people it serves.
WHAT’S NEXT: The first public meeting of the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council will be held on March 18, 2026. Meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and membership lists for both groups will be publicly available. For more information, including how to register for the first public meeting, please visit the Voices and Vision Council webpage.
ABOUT THE VOICES AND VISION COUNCIL MEMBERS: The Voices and Vision Council is made up of 16 Medi-Cal members and leaders from across California who bring experience from advocacy groups, community-based organizations, health centers, county health and social services departments, managed care plans, and health plan associations.
###
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov