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Project Adds Sixteen New Peer Respite Beds to People Awaiting or Leaving Residential Treatment
SACRAMENTO — On January 29, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) attended Placer County’s opening of a new 16-bed adult peer respite that provides a safe, supportive, and home-like environment for adults awaiting placement in residential treatment programs or exiting such programs to a lower level of care. The facility, dubbed “The Harbor,” will begin welcoming clients on February 3 through a referral-based system managed by Placer County’s substance use team.
DHCS awarded Placer County nearly $400,000 through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), which is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.
“Too often, restrictive inpatient settings are the only option available to people experiencing a mental health crisis,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Community-based, trauma-informed, and resilience-focused centers like The Harbor have the potential to revolutionize California’s approach to behavioral health treatment and recovery.”
THE HARBOR: The new facility will include peer respite designed to complement the Placer County Health and Human Services Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) treatment continuum by providing a structured environment for people leaving residential placements or awaiting placement. Residents will engage in self-help recovery activities while potentially also participating in outpatient care.
Services provided include ongoing needs assessment across the behavioral health and physical health spectrums, case management, crisis management, trauma-informed individual and group therapy, peer-to-peer supportive services, linkage to cultural supports and services, and other necessary referral services for a safe and efficient discharge back into the community. These services are designed to provide less costly and less intrusive care than those offered in a hospital setting.
“The Harbor will offer a compassionate, supportive environment where individuals can regain their strength, heal, and reconnect with their sense of well-being,” said Placer County Behavioral Health Director Amy Ellis. “This facility is part of Placer County’s ongoing efforts to build and expand its behavioral health infrastructure to respond to people in need.”
WHY BHCIP IS IMPORTANT: Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure to further expand the range of community-based behavioral health treatment options for people with co-occurring mental health treatment needs and substance use disorders. BHCIP is addressing historic gaps in the behavioral health care system to meet the growing demand for services and supports throughout the lifespan of people in need.
DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS will distribute up to $4.4 billion in competitive Bond BHCIP funding, including $3.3 billion for Round 1: Launch Ready grants as part of Behavioral Health Transformation, DHCS’ work to implement Proposition 1. DHCS holds regular public listening sessions on this effort. Updates and recordings of the sessions are available on the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 3: LAUNCH READY: BHCIP Round 3 supported preparation activities to plan for the acquisition and expansion of behavioral health infrastructure throughout the state. The 45 awarded facilities were funded a total of $518.5 million. BHCIP applicants were required to demonstrate service expansion for Medi-Cal members and have a valid planning process to ensure projects are ready for implementation.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $2.7 million to 15 local coalitions through the California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN), a respected statewide learning network dedicated to combating the overdose epidemic. This funding will provide sustained support for coalitions backing COPN’s mission to strengthen connections within communities and provide access to knowledge, training, and resources to improve practices and create lasting change.
“Traditionally, the treatment of opioid use disorder has been siloed with limited connections between providers and other organizations, leading to gaps in care,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “This funding will support COPN’s efforts to help coordinate coalitions, organizations, and individuals working at the forefront of California’s overdose epidemic to prioritize unique, localized needs and implement proven solutions that save lives.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: The fifteen awarded coalitions will use this funding between January 1, 2025, and August 30, 2027, to implement strategies that address overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery. These efforts include naloxone distribution, expanded access to life-saving resources, and community education, all aimed at reducing overdose deaths and fostering long-term recovery throughout the state.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 7,000 Californians died from opioid overdoses in 2022. More than 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occur per year across the country, 90 percent of which involve fentanyl.
GRANT IMPACT: “As a result of this funding, our coalition will continue providing community education and awareness to reduce opioid use and increase opportunities for overdose prevention,” said Jenn Rhoads, Coalition Coordinator for the San Luis Obispo Opioid Safety Coalition. “We’ll also improve access to providers to increase the availability of treatment and harm reduction services across the county.”
“This funding will fortify our coalition’s current initiatives and expand our efforts to reach more populations,” said Arthur Camargo, Coalition Coordinator for Drug Safe Solano. “Specifically, these funds will allow us to expand harm reduction services, naloxone training and distribution, and community education events and training. The funding will also support our coalition’s efforts to update and disseminate resources directed toward prescribers for safer prescribing of opioids and buprenorphine and use our data resources to advocate for the optimal uses of local opioid settlement funds.”
By strengthening connections and providing vital resources, COPN’s network and training give coalitions the tools and support they need to tackle the overdose epidemic effectively.
BIGGER PICTURE: This project is funded by the State Opioid Response IV grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The project is part of DHCS’ broader efforts to address substance use disorders, collectively known as the California Opioid Response Project, to increase access to MOUD, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. For more information, please visit the DHCS website.
The state launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.
Eligible entities may be able to obtain CalRx-branded over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone nasal spray for free through DHCS’ Naloxone Distribution Project. CalRx is working on an option for individuals to buy CalRx OTC naloxone nasal spray directly.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded nearly $65.4 million to 91 organizations to strengthen the California Hub and Spoke System, a proven model designed to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services statewide. This funding will enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the state, advancing the fight against the opioid crisis and saving lives.
“Overcoming the opioid epidemic requires every part of our public health system working together toward healing,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “The Hub and Spoke System strengthens California’s network of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery providers by improving services and resources in communities across the state.”
The Hub and Spoke System consists of a network of Narcotic Treatment Programs (known as Hubs) licensed to dispense methadone and other MOUDs. These Hubs are connected to other MOUD prescribers (known as Spokes), which primarily provide various formulations of buprenorphine—a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms—and ongoing opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) care and treatment.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 7,000 Californians died from opioid overdose in 2022. More than 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occur per year across the country, more than 90 percent of which involve fentanyl. The Hub and Spoke System increases access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services throughout the state, particularly in counties with the highest overdose rates. This program was modeled after the Vermont Hub and Spoke system, which successfully increased access to MAT in a rural state with little treatment infrastructure. The project increased the availability of MAT for patients with OUD by increasing the total number of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners prescribing buprenorphine.
The Hub and Spoke System continues to improve education, outreach, and treatment for patients with SUDs and OUDs, with a particular focus on serving vulnerable populations and increasing MOUD services. The system is designed to:
WHAT THIS MEANS: Ninety-one organizations will receive awards to provide MOUD services to implement the Hub and Spoke System from January 1, 2025, through September 29, 2027. Grantees include Narcotic Treatment Programs, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, community clinics, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal entities.
GRANT IMPACT: “This funding allows Venice Family Clinic to offer lifesaving support for people with SUDs, regardless of their insurance status,” said Ariel Peterson, Director of Program Management for Venice Family Clinic. “This includes medications for opiate use disorder, counseling, case management, and transportation to detox or residential care.”
“We are honored to receive this grant funding to support our MAT program for OUD, enabling us to continue providing critical outreach and medical services to high-risk Native American patients,” said Judith Surber, MAT Program Manager for K’ima:w Medical Center. “The MAT program remains an integral part of our medical center and the broader community we serve. This funding will help grow our program, reduce stigma, and lower mortality from opioid overdoses within our rural, Tribal community. By fostering a structured clinic environment, we aim to empower patients to rebuild their lives and contribute as productive members of society, supporting their families and communities.”
“With Hub and Spoke System funding support, our outpatient, residential, and opioid treatment programs are able to provide more extensive outreach to the community on lifesaving MOUD and provide more uninsured and underinsured patients with equal access to MAT,” said Andrea Nee, Director of Evaluation for Clare|Matrix. “Hub and Spoke System funding is instrumental to supporting our medical directors, counseling, and nursing staff to be able to offer the highest quality treatment to even more patients with OUDs and stimulant use disorders. We’ll be able to improve knowledge and awareness of the benefits and impact of MAT and further reduce stigma through comprehensive patient education and engagement services.”
BIGGER PICTURE: The state launched opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment as well as information about how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.
The Hub and Spoke System is funded by the State Opioid Response IV grant, awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This project is part of DHCS’ broader efforts to address SUDs, collectively known as California Opioid Response, to increase access to MOUDs, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. For more information, please visit the California DHCS Opioid Response Overview website.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — In response to the Southern California wildfires, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requested and received federal approval from the Biden-Harris administration of several dozen flexibilities to prevent disruptions in health care delivery so Medi-Cal members can continue to receive needed care. 1135 waivers allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive various administrative requirements to increase access to medical services during a time of national emergency. 1135 waiver approvals remain in effect throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared by former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, which is 90 days.
“DHCS is committed to helping Californians access the care they need during this devastating crisis and as communities begin to emerge and recover,” said State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith. “The waivers granted by our federal partners will provide the necessary flexibilities for health care providers to address the immediate needs of Medi-Cal members. Whether it’s ensuring continued access to clinic services in alternative settings, providing targeted flexibilities for home and community-based services, or streamlining provider enrollment, these measures are designed to remove barriers to care and support both patients and frontline providers during this emergency and throughout the recovery process.”
Key flexibilities include:
ABOUT THE FLEXIBILITIES: Under 1135 waivers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is temporarily relaxing certain Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to help health care providers and facilities respond to an emergency or a disaster. Appendix K approvals provide additional flexibilities specific to home and community-based services programs. These actions are designed to reduce administrative burdens and provide flexibility in the delivery of health care during a critical time
GET HELP TODAY: Californians can visit CA.gov/LAfires, a hub for information and resources from the state, local, and federal governments.
Covered California recently announced a special enrollment period for residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This special enrollment period will last until March 8, 2025. Resources are available through Los Angeles County and the State of California. Of the 1.3 million uninsured Californians who qualify for subsidies through Covered California or are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage, 356,000 reside in Southern California.
California developed resources to help guide people through disasters and provide information about the different types of federal, state, and local services available in California:
Through the BenefitsCal portal, Californians can get and manage benefits online. This includes food assistance (CalFresh, formerly food stamps), cash aid (CalWORKs, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants), and affordable health insurance (Medi-Cal).
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from the Southern California wildfires can apply for disaster assistance:
If you use a relay service, such as video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
BACKGROUND: In response to the wildfires and Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclaimed State of Emergency and Executive Order issued on January 7, 2025, DHCS swiftly implemented key administrative flexibilities to protect Medi-Cal members in affected regions of the state.
DHCS administers Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, providing health coverage to nearly 15 million people, including nearly 4 million members in Los Angeles County and more than 250,000 members in Ventura County. If Medi-Cal members need assistance, they should contact their health care provider or plan.
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Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — In response to the devastating Southern California wildfires and Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclaimed State of Emergency and Executive Order issued on January 7, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) swiftly implemented key administrative flexibilities to protect Medi-Cal members in affected regions of the state. These efforts include simplified Medi-Cal enrollment and renewal processes, waived requirements to access prescription medications and medical devices, and other flexibilities to ensure all Medi-Cal members have access to care during this emergency.
Help for Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles County and Ventura County includes:
DHCS understands recovering from these wildfires will be challenging and has developed an online resource to help answer Medi-Cal member questions about accessing services during this emergency.
Current flexibilities for Medi-Cal managed care plans and providers include:
Additionally, DHCS submitted requests to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help Californians covered by Medi-Cal impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Section 1135 of the Social Security Act provides flexibility during national public health emergencies.
“At DHCS, our members are our top priority, and our hearts go out to the families affected by the Southern California wildfires,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We are working closely with CMS to obtain speedy federal approvals for flexibilities to help our state and Medi-Cal members meet the challenges posed by the wildfires. We will continue to issue guidance to providers so they can quickly take advantage of the new flexibilities to deliver quality, equitable health care to Southern Californian Medi-Cal members.”
Significant additional flexibilities requested by DHCS include:
DHCS is dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of Medi-Cal members and communities suffering from the devastating effects of the Southern California wildfires. DHCS’ purpose extends beyond routine health care services, focusing on proactive planning, rapid response, and continuous support in the face of challenges like these wildfires.
Through coordinated efforts with state, local, federal, and Tribal partners, DHCS ensures that vital health care services remain accessible and timely for affected individuals. DHCS leverages the expertise of its teams and the flexibility of emergency regulations to address the unique needs of Southern California communities, from facilitating access to medical care and behavioral health services to ensuring the availability of medications and durable medical equipment.
BACKGROUND: On January 8, 2025, in response to the catastrophic wildfires in Southern California, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of California in the areas affected by wildfires. On January 10, 2025, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency for California, granting CMS additional flexibility to address the health needs of impacted individuals. These measures were made possible through extensive preparedness planning and proactive emergency response protocols. These efforts underscore a strong state and federal partnership, ensuring uninterrupted care and services during this emergency.
DHCS administers Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, providing health coverage to nearly 15 million people, including nearly 4 million members in Los Angeles County and more than 250,000 members in Ventura County.
DHCS encourages all affected residents to follow local evacuation orders, monitor air quality, and wear masks outdoors, if needed. If Medi-Cal members need assistance, they should contact their health care provider or plan.
MORE INFORMATION: Resources and updates are available at the following links:
Get help today:
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Contact:
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
www.dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement its Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, a 10-year Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) delivery and payment model designed to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce health care expenditures through a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. California is one of 15 states selected to participate in the TMaH Model.
The TMaH Model will implement evidence-informed interventions within a value-based payment (VBP) framework, reimbursing providers based on patient health outcomes and quality of care, rather than the volume of services provided. By focusing on improving maternal outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality of care, the model aims to reduce low-risk cesareans, lower severe maternal morbidity, and increase access to maternal providers, such as midwives, doulas, and birth centers, for Medi-Cal members.
This initiative will improve the state’s maternal care system, particularly for pregnant Medi-Cal members and their infants, who traditionally experience disparities in maternal health care access and outcomes. The TMaH Model will focus on areas with the greatest need for intervention and resources. DHCS will implement the TMaH Model in five Central Valley counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare.
“By targeting these high-need counties, we are taking a strategic step toward improving the health and well-being of pregnant people across California, particularly in areas experiencing the greatest maternal health disparities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “This model will allow us to test innovative approaches to maternal health care, ensuring that every pregnant Medi-Cal member, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the care they need to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Participation in TMaH will advance DHCS’ ability to achieve its maternal health priorities and continue investing in the future of equitable birthing care.”
“TMaH offers a meaningful opportunity to reduce maternal health disparities by increasing access to doulas and midwives in our communities,” said Shantay R. Davies-Balch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Belonging, Love, Affinity, Community, & Kinship (BLACK) Wellness & Prosperity Center. “These professionals are vital advocates for families, providing personalized care and a holistic approach to both prenatal and postpartum support.”
“The CMS Transforming Maternal Health grant strengthens California’s leadership and innovation while taking a crucial step toward reducing health disparities and ensuring mothers in the Central Valley have access to equitable care,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos. “This initiative aligns with our shared commitment to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, ensuring healthier futures for families across California.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Medi-Cal-members have a higher rate of maternal mortality than individuals with commercial insurance. Poor maternal health outcomes disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, particularly those in the Southern Central Valley and Northeastern/Northern Central Valley regions of California.
DHCS will implement the TMaH Model in the five counties characterized by some of the highest pregnancy-related mortality rates in California, where C-sections and rates of prenatal and postpartum depression are higher than the statewide average. There is also a greater need for maternity care providers and health-related social services in these regions compared to others in California.
A STEP FORWARD IN HEALTH EQUITY: For pregnant people, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, this initiative represents a significant opportunity to access improved services that support their birthing plan. The TMaH Model is part of California’s broader commitment to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health and ensuring that all pregnant people, especially people in low-income communities, receive the support they need to safely navigate pregnancy and childbirth. TMaH is a key pillar in DHCS’ strategy to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
“This is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to address maternal health disparities in California,” said Palav Babaria, Chief Quality and Medical Officer and Deputy Director of DHCS’ Quality and Population Health Management. “By testing new models of care, California is leading the way in advancing health equity, particularly for communities that have been historically underserved or disadvantaged in accessing timely, effective maternal care.”
BACKGROUND: The TMaH Model will provide $17 million in funding over the program’s course. CMS will award this funding to DHCS in two phases: $8 million during the three-year pre-implementation period (2025-2027) and $9 million during the seven-year implementation period (2028-2035). DHCS will leverage this funding for technical assistance and infrastructure support that will be made available to providers and key implementation partners in the five counties to meet required milestones, including the rollout of a VBP model aimed at rewarding providers for delivering high-quality care.
The TMaH Model will provide valuable insights into the impact of value-based care models on maternal health. It will emphasize improving care coordination, enhancing provider training, and offering holistic support that accounts for social drivers of health, including housing, food security, and transportation.
BIGGER PICTURE: TMaH aligns with and will be complementary to DHCS’ Birthing Care Pathway, a comprehensive policy and care model roadmap to cover the journey of all pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members from conception through 12 months postpartum. The Birthing Care Pathway is being developed to be a strategic roadmap for state entities, managed care plans, counties, providers, social service entities, philanthropy, and other key partners in providing services to pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members. The roadmap will include a series of policy recommendations that aim to address the physical, behavioral, and health-related social needs of pregnant and postpartum members by improving access to providers, strengthening clinical care and care coordination across the care continuum, providing whole-person care, and modernizing how Medi-Cal pays for maternity care. Additionally, TMaH aligns with DHCS’ Bold Goals 50×2025 initiative, which was launched in 2022 as a focused campaign to improve the quality and equity of care in three focus areas outlined in DHCS’ Comprehensive Quality Strategy: children’s preventive care, behavioral health integration, and maternity care.
DHCS has already implemented several required TMaH Model elements and other initiatives that will contribute to the success of TMaH, such as adding doula, dyadic care, and community health worker benefits; extending Medi-Cal coverage from 60 days to 12 months postpartum; facilitating enrollment of children and newborns eligible for Medi-Cal through expanding the Children’s Presumptive Eligibility Program and establishing the Newborn Gateway; requiring perinatal screenings and assessments to address whole-person needs; implementing health-related social needs Community Supports services (e.g., housing supports, medically tailored meals); and launching a Birth Equity Population of Focus under the Enhanced Care Management benefit that offers high-touch care management to eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals.
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Contact:
Office of Communications
(916) 440-7660
www.dhcs.ca.gov