California's Reproductive Health Access Demonstration
Return to Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver Resources Page
DHCS is seeking federal approval to strengthen the State's reproductive health provider safety net, with an emphasis on ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services as well as the services and supports to access these services by addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs).
Through a new Section 1115 demonstration, titled California's Reproductive Health Access Demonstration (CalRHAD), DHCS is requesting expenditure authority under Section 1115(a)(2) to provide grants to reproductive health providers for enhancing capacity and access to sexual and reproductive health services and promoting the sustainability of California's reproductive health provider safety net, for the benefit of individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and other Californians who currently face barriers to such access.
California is proposing to create a new CalRHAD grant program for providers to enhance capacity and access for sexual and reproductive health services – including family planning – for individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and other individuals who may need assistance to access such services. Providers that receive CalRHAD grants would not be permitted to use those funds for abortion services. California currently covers abortion services for individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal and others using State funds, without federal Medicaid matching funds.
Materials Submitted to CMS
DHCS submitted the following application to CMS on June 8, 2023:
Past Public Comment Opportunities
DHCS hosted a 30-day public comment period from March 16 to April 17, 2023, for the draft CalRHAD application. The following materials were shared for public comment:
DHCS received 29 public comments, including 21 comments submitted via email and 8 comments provided orally or via the Zoom chat box functionality during two public hearings. DHCS did not receive any public comments via mail or during the webinar with Tribal and Indian Health Program stakeholders. Comments received via email are accessible in this
public comment bundle document. The public comments are redacted to remove protected health information, personal contact information, and signatures.
General Resources
