The MCP-Hub Toolkit: A Resource for MCPs and CalAIM Providers
Overview
In partnership with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), Aurrera Health Group developed a toolkit with guidance applicable to Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) and “community care hub” organizations (Hubs). Hubs are entities that serve as intermediaries between Medi-Cal MCPs and community-based organizations (CBOs) and Providers that deliver services to address health related social needs (HRSNs).
DHCS encourages the use of Hubs to the extent it reduces barriers for CBOs, community-based Providers, and other Providers that address HRSNs to contract with MCPs and participate in the Medi-Cal delivery system. Partnering with Hubs can create operational efficiencies for MCPs and Providers, expand Networks by enabling community-based, diverse Providers to participate in Medi-Cal, and support coordinated delivery of Medi-Cal benefits.
Toolkit User Guide
This toolkit is intended for MCPs, existing Hubs, and organizations interested in becoming Hubs to support the delivery of Medi-Cal services. It includes a series of modules that highlight opportunities, basic requirements, considerations, and provide practical tools to support MCPs and Hubs to operationalize voluntary contracting partnerships.
This toolkit includes the following sections:
Module 1: Functions of a Hub
- Section 1: Overview
- Section 2: Example Hub Functions
- Section 3: Hub Spotlight
Module 2: MCP-HUB Partnerships
Section 1: Overview
Section 2: MCP-Hub Delegation and Contracting
Types of Contracts Between MCPs and Hubs
Hub-MCP Contracting Relationship Tool
Section 3: MCP-Hub Subcontracting Legal Authority and Requirements
Subcontracting Requirements for MCPs and Hubs
MCP-Hub Subcontracting Tools
Section 4: Considerations for ECM, Community Supports, Community Health Worker (CHW), and Doula Services
Considerations for ECM
Considerations for Community Supports
Considerations for CHW Services
Considerations for Doula Services
Section 5: References and Additional Resources
Module 3: Oversight & Monitoring of Hubs
Section 1: Overview
Section 2: MCP Oversight and Monitoring Requirements for Hubs
MCP-Hub Compliance Requirements Checklist
Section 3: Data and Qualilty Improvement Requirements for Hubs
Data Reporting Requirements
Quality Improvement Requirements
MCP-Hub Quality Improvement Tool
Section 4: Additional Considerations for Hubs That Assume Financial Risk or Cover Specific Medi-Cal Member Populations
Financial Viability Requirements
Population Needs Assessment Requirements
Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs)
Section 5: Summary of MCP Oversight Responsibilities
Section 6: References
Additional Information
Flexible Housing Subsidy Pools and Hubs
After reading the toolkit, readers will understand:
The vaue of hubs in facilitating connections between MCPs and networks of direct service provider organizations and individual providers and reducing the burden of contracting;
General functions offered by Hubs;
Existing requirements that MCPs must adhere to when contracting with Hubs; and
MCP Compliance and oversight responsibilities
Notes
- DHCS encourages but does not require MCPs to contract with Hubs.
- The toolkit does not include new policy or introduce new requirements for MCPs but elevates existing guidance relevant to MCPs and Hubs interested in partnering for the administration and delivery of a host of Medi-Cal services including, but not limited to, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), Community Supports, Community Health Worker (CHW) services, and Doula services.
- DHCS acknowledges that it may take time for existing Hubs and MCPs with established relationships to ensure all Subcontractor, Downstream Subcontractor, and Network Provider requirements are met, as applicable. MCPs are encouraged to contact their DHCS Contract Managers to request technical assistance for ensuring prompt compliance with Subcontractor, Downstream Subcontractor, and Network Provider requirements as outlined in the MCP’s contract with DHCS (MCP Contract), as applicable. Any other related questions, please contact your DHCS Contract Manager.
Webinars
MCP-Hub Partnerships: Toolkit for Plans and CalAIM Providers Informational Webinar
January 16, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Presentation Slides
Webinar Recording (Aurrera Health Group)
Resource Library
Managed Care All Plan Letters (APLs)
APL 23-032: Enhanced Care Management Requirements
APL 21-017: Community Supports Requirements
APL 24-006: Community Health Worker Services Benefit
APL 23-024: Doula Services
Exploring Emerging Medi-Cal Community Care Hubs: Information about the current landscape of existing and emerging Hubs in Medi-Cal.
2024 MCP Boilerplate Contract
PHM Policy Guide
Medi-Cal Provider Manual
Community Health Worker Preventive Services
Doula Services
DHCS Resources for Community Health Workers
DHCS Resources for Doula Services
ECM Policy Guide
Community Supports Policy Guide
Community Supports Policy Guide Volume 2
MCP ECM and Community Supports Contract Template Provisions
ECM and Community Supports Provider Standard Terms and Conditions
ECM and Community Supports Billing and Invoicing Guidance
Member-Level Information Sharing Between MCPs and ECM Providers
ECM Referrals Standards and Form Templates
Community Supports Member Information Sharing Guidance
Closed-Loop Referral Implementation Guidance
Flexible Housing Subsidy Pools Technical Assistance Resource
CalAIM Data Sharing Authorization Guidance