October 27, 2026

Top News

California Receives National Medicaid Award

DHCS received the 2026 Spotlight Award from the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) for improving health outcomes and lowering avoidable costs through Community Supports under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). Since launching in 2022, Community Supports have reached more than half a million Medi-Cal members and delivered more than 1.5 million services. These services help address health-related social needs through housing assistance, medically supportive meals, and home environmental modifications. According to analyses submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Community Supports are associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, inpatient hospitalizations, and institutional long-term care. Ten of the 12 services evaluated are already demonstrating net Medicaid savings. The award recognizes California’s commitment to advancing whole-person care and improving outcomes for Medi-Cal members by addressing factors that have the greatest impact on health.

Program Updates

Technical Assistance Program for Community Health Planning

On October 23, DHCS and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched the Population Health Management (PHM) Local Planning Technical Assistance Program. The program helps Medi-Cal managed care plans, local health jurisdictions, and county behavioral health plans work together to identify local health needs, align priorities, and improve community health outcomes. Through June 2029, DHCS and CDPH will offer trainings, webinars, regional convenings, planning tools, and other resources to support collaboration and advance health equity. For program updates, resources, and upcoming events, visit the PHM Local Planning Technical Assistance webpage or email PHMSection@dhcs.ca.gov.

Improved Health Outcomes Through Aligned Quality Initiatives

DHCS, CalPERS, and Covered California announced significant improvements in care quality and health outcomes through their aligned, performance-based quality programs. Together, these initiatives impact approximately 17.7 million Californians, promoting improvements in key measures, such as blood pressure control, diabetes management, colorectal cancer screenings, and childhood vaccinations. The coordinated efforts demonstrate how aligning incentives and accountability across public health coverage programs can drive measurable improvements in care delivery, strengthen managed care oversight, and advance equitable, high-quality health care throughout California.

Join Our Team

• DHCS is seeking an experienced behavioral health professional to fill the role of Assistant Deputy Director (ADD) for Behavioral Health. The ADD provides leadership, management, and support in implementing behavioral health initiatives designed to achieve equitable health outcomes and ensure consistent access to high-quality mental health and substance use disorder care. Applications must be submitted by October 29, 2026.

• DHCS is seeking an experienced managed care professional to fill the role of ADD for Managed Care within Health Care Delivery Systems. The ADD assists in overseeing the planning, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and management of DHCS’ managed care delivery systems services, programs, and policies. Applications must be submitted by November 6, 2026.

• DHCS is seeking an experienced health management professional to fill the role of Chief of the Population Health Management Division. The chief leads strategy, policy, oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of population health management under CalAIM to help members stay healthy through preventive and wellness services and identifying and assessing member risks. Applications must be submitted by October 28, 2026.

• In addition, DHCS is hiring for its Fiscal, Legal, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars

DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on its Calendar of Events. DHCS provides free assistive services, including language interpretation, real-time captioning, and meeting materials in alternate formatting. To request services, please email the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@dhcs.ca.gov at least ten working days before the meeting.

Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements for Doulas

On October 27, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a public hearing via webinar (advance registration required) to discuss the draft provider bulletin, “Updated Medi-Cal Enrollment Requirements and Procedures for Doulas.” DHCS is updating enrollment requirements for doula providers seeking reimbursement through Medi-Cal. Effective December 3, 2026, doulas applying for enrollment through the Experience Pathway must submit a recommendation letter from a Medi-Cal-enrolled community-based organization and provide proof of adult and infant CPR from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Comments, questions, and suggestions may be submitted during the webinar or emailed to DHCSPEDStakeholder@dhcs.ca.gov by 5 p.m. PDT on October 27. Following review of stakeholder feedback, DHCS will publish the final bulletin online.

Comprehensive IUD and Contraceptive Implant Training

On October 27 and 28, DHCS will host all-day, in-person comprehensive IUD and contraceptive implant trainings, which include updates on current U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements. Conducted since 2018, this semi-annual provider training is designed for both new and experienced providers who want to build or refine their skills in IUD and implant placement and removal. The training includes hands-on practice with pelvic models and computer simulators, as well as proctoring by family planning experts. Advanced topics include management of side effects, tips for difficult contraceptive implant placements, pain management principles for office procedures, and complication prevention and management. To register and for more information, please see the Office of Family Planning IUD & Implant Training webpage.

Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)/Behavioral Health (BH)-SAC Meeting

On October 28, 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 1501 Capitol Avenue (First Floor Conference Room 71.1316), 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 meeting will include updates on Community Supports, Behavioral Health Throughput Proposals, the Behavioral Health Public County Profile, and Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) initiatives. 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.

Mitigating Burnout in Community Health Workers and Lived-Experience Staff

On October 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. PDT, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information  will host a webinar, Mitigating Burnout in Community Health Workers and Lived-Experience Staff (advance registration required). Community health workers, promotores, and community health representatives play a vital role in advancing health equity, but repeated exposure to trauma and complex community needs can contribute to burnout, compassion fatigue, and workforce turnover. This 90-minute webinar will explore organizational strategies that support well-being beyond individual self-care, including approaches to identifying burnout, responding effectively as supervisors and leaders, and implementing sustainable workplace supports. Attendees will hear from experts and frontline practitioners about wellness practices that can strengthen and sustain the community health worker workforce.

Together for Wellness Virtual Youth Summit

On October 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. PDT, Together for Wellness/Juntos Por Nuestro Bienestar will host “More to the Story: The Glow Within Us,” a free virtual summit for California youth and young adults ages 13 to 25. The summit will provide opportunities for youth voices, meaningful conversations, interactive activities, and connections to organizations and resources that support youth mental health and well-being. The event will also highlight youth creativity and leadership through artwork selected from the 2026 Youth Summit Art Contest. Community-based organizations, schools, youth-serving programs, families, and partners are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible youth and young adults throughout California.

Practical Applications of the CalAIM Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits

On October 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public webinar, Practical Applications of the CalAIM Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits (advance registration required), that will walk participants through practical ways to use the Best Practices and Sustainability Toolkits in real-world settings. Topics include strategies related to funding, change management, staffing, work environments, provider examples, and common mistakes to avoid. Guest speakers include representatives from HC2 Strategies, the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance, and Public Health Innovation Lab. To learn more, visit the Collaborative Planning and Implementation webpage. Please email questions to collaborative@ca-path.com.

Understanding CalABLE and Medi-Cal Webinar

On November 4, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS and CalABLE will host an educational webinar, “Understanding CalABLE and Medi-Cal.” CalABLE is a savings and investment program that empowers people with disabilities to save money without losing vital public benefits, such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income. The webinar will provide a clear overview of how CalABLE and Medi-Cal interact and what individuals, families, and service providers need to know. Topics to be covered include CalABLE overview and eligibility, Medi-Cal information and eligibility, Medi-Cal asset limits, and Medi-Cal changes coming in 2027. The webinar will be recorded, and registered participants will receive the link after registering. ASL interpretation, Spanish interpretation, and closed captioning will be provided. Please email any questions to calable@vestwell.com.

Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) Meeting 

On November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST, DHCS will host the quarterly MCHAP meeting at 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the first floor conference room (71.1316) or via public webinar. MCHAP advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. For more information, please see the MCHAP webpage or email MCHAP@dhcs.ca.gov.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar: Work Requirements

On November 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar to explain upcoming Medi-Cal requirements for some adults ages 19 to 64. Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults may need to work, attend school, participate in job training, or volunteer to keep their Medi-Cal coverage. The webinar will explain who the requirements apply to, who is exempt, and how Coverage Ambassadors can help Medi-Cal members prepare for the changes and maintain their coverage. Coverage Ambassadors are trusted messengers who help raise awareness about Medi-Cal benefits, enrollment opportunities, and new initiatives aimed at building a healthier California for all. Visit the Coverage Ambassador website for more information, including how to subscribe to receive regular updates, newsletters, and webinar reminders.

In Case You Missed It

Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service Provider Toolkit Now Available

DHCS published a Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service (FFS) Provider Toolkit to help providers prepare for the January 1, 2027, transition of Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) from managed care to FFS. The toolkit includes information about provider enrollment and revalidation, eligibility verification, billing and claims processes, Treatment Authorization Requests, transportation services, continuity of care, and other resources to support providers during the transition. The toolkit will be updated periodically as additional guidance, resources, and operational information become available. Providers and stakeholders are encouraged to review and share the toolkit and check back for future versions to help ensure readiness and minimize disruptions in care for impacted members.