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Chương trình Medi-Medi là chương trình y tế đặc biệt dành cho những người có cả Medicare và Medi-Cal
SACRAMENTO — As Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is expanding access to Medi-Medi Plans––integrated health plans for people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal—to 29 additional counties. This expansion brings the total to 41 counties that offer Medi-Medi Plans, nearly quadrupling access to these plans. This means Californians who are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal will have the option to enroll in a Medi-Medi Plan to receive additional support to help manage chronic conditions, disabilities, or long-term care needs. Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, with coverage starting on January 1, 2026.
“California is building upon the success of Medi-Medi Plans that have already made a real difference in people’s lives,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “By expanding access to these plans, we’re helping more Californians with complex health needs get the care they need—more easily, more consistently, and with greater support. This is about making health care work better for the people who rely on it most.”
The 29 new counties are: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Marin, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Placer, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba.
These 29 counties will join the 12 counties where Medi-Medi Plans are currently available: Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Tulare. For more details, visit the Medicare Medi-Cal Plan List webpage, Joining a Medi-Medi Plan information sheet, and the Medi-Medi Plan Expansion Fact Sheet.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: For the first time, Californians who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal will have access to Medi-Medi Plans in 29 additional counties. Members with both Medicare and Medi-Cal often face serious health challenges, need help with daily activities, and deal with barriers like low income or limited transportation. They typically rely on many different services, but must navigate two separate systems to get care.
“This expansion is about making health care work better for the people who need it most,” said Lauren Solis, Chief of DHCS’ Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration.
Medi-Medi Plans combine Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one plan and provide specialized care coordination and wraparound Medi-Cal services. This model simplifies care with one card, one care team, and integrated services across medical, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports.
Currently, about 330,000 people are enrolled in these plans across 12 counties. As a result of this expansion, an additional 461,000 Californians will now have the choice to enroll in a Medi-Medi Plan. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of Medicare members in California – 1.7 million people – also have Medi-Cal.
ABOUT MEDI-MEDI PLANS: Medi-Medi Plans are available to individuals who have both Medicare Part A and B, are enrolled in Medi-Cal, are 21 or older, and live in a participating county. Medi-Medi Plans coordinate all services across both Medicare and Medi-Cal, including:
Các thành viên cũng được hưởng lợi từ:
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Eligible Californians can enroll in a Medi-Medi Plan during Medicare open enrollment from October 15 to December 7. Coverage will begin January 1, 2026. For more information about Medi-Medi Plans and how to enroll, visit the Medi-Medi Plan webpage.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
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 as part of the state’s Medi-Cal transformation under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). These services help Medi-Cal members stay healthier and avoid other, costlier health care services, such as emergency department visits and hospital stays.
Chỉ trong ba tháng đầu năm nay:
Michelle Baass, Giám đốc Bộ Dịch vụ Chăm sóc Sức khỏe cho biết: “Đây là quá trình chuyển đổi Medi-Cal. “Chúng tôi không chỉ mở rộng dịch vụ. Chúng tôi đang tiếp cận nhiều người hơn bao giờ hết.”
ECM giúp những người có nhu cầu sức khỏe và xã hội phức tạp, bao gồm vô gia cư, bệnh tâm thần nghiêm trọng hoặc thường xuyên đến bệnh viện, nhận được sự chăm sóc mà họ cần, bất kể họ ở đâu. Người quản lý chăm sóc chính giúp phối hợp tất cả các khía cạnh chăm sóc, từ thăm khám bác sĩ và các dịch vụ sức khỏe tâm thần đến hỗ trợ nhà ở và dinh dưỡng. Kể từ khi ra mắt vào tháng 1 năm 2022, ECM đã kết nối hơn 372,000 thành viên Medi-Cal với dịch vụ chăm sóc cao cấp, lấy con người làm trung tâm.
Community Supports are also growing rapidly. These services offer cost-effective, community-based alternatives to traditional medical care, addressing housing, nutrition, and other social drivers of health. As of early 2025:
“Đằng sau mỗi con số là một câu chuyện: một phụ huynh tìm được nhà ở ổn định, một thiếu niên được chăm sóc sức khỏe tâm thần, một người cao niên nhận được bữa ăn phù hợp với tình trạng của họ”, Giám đốc Medicaid của bang Tyler Sadwith cho biết. “Đây là cách chúng tôi xây dựng một California khỏe mạnh hơn.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: The growth in ECM and Community Supports comes as California rolls out historic policies under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), aimed at reducing homelessness and expanding behavioral health care. ECM and Community Supports are proving to be vital tools to help people navigate housing, nutrition, and health systems with dignity and support. From ECM and Community Supports to Transitional Rent and permanent housing, California is building a continuum of care that supports people across every stage of their recovery journey.
To support this expansion, DHCS has awarded more than $1.43 billion through its Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) initiatives, including Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED), Collaborative Planning and Implementation, and the Technical Assistance Marketplace. These funds help community-based organizations, clinics, and local agencies grow their capacity to deliver ECM and Community Supports by hiring staff, upgrading systems, and improving care coordination. The final round of CITED funding closed in May 2025, with new awardees to be announced later this year.
WHAT’S NEXT: DHCS will continue listening to Medi-Cal members who use ECM and Community Supports. Member feedback, gathered through surveys, focus groups, and other outreach, will help improve how these services are delivered, making them easier to access, more effective, and more responsive to different cultures and communities.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Khuôn viên trường sẽ phục vụ 72.000 cá nhân mỗi năm
SACRAMENTO — On September 10, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Department celebrated the groundbreaking of the Be Well Campus, a new facility in French Camp that will expand access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the Central Valley. The campus will include 10 facility types, with 116 behavioral health treatment beds and 1,205 outpatient slots, enabling care for more than 72,000 individuals annually.
“This project represents a powerful example of California’s commitment to building a behavioral health system that meets people where they are,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, we are investing in local infrastructure and helping communities expand access to care.”
This transformative project is supported by more than $149 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), including Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum and Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready (a conditional award made possible by the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act), part of California’s voter-approved reform to expand behavioral health care and housing. This project is one of several in California that will combine earlier BHCIP rounds with bond funds to support both immediate needs and long-term infrastructure.
BHCIP is a key component of Mental Health for All, California’s ongoing commitment to build a stronger and more equitable behavioral health system. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.
“We are pleased to see the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act in action,” said DHCS Community Services Division Chief Marlies Perez. “San Joaquin County is building a model that brings together multiple levels of care in one place, making it easier for people to get the care they need when they need it.”
INVESTING IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE CAPACITY: More than 1.2 million adults in California live with a serious mental illness, and 1 in 10 residents meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. Additionally, shortages of behavioral health treatment sites contribute to rising rates of homelessness and incarceration among people with mental health disorders.
To address this, DHCS launched BHCIP to fund the construction, acquisition, and expansion of behavioral health facilities and mobile crisis services. Since 2021, the state has awarded more than $2.2 billion through BHCIP Rounds 1–5, including $430 million in Round 5 to expand crisis care statewide. California is investing billions more through Bond BHCIP to build long-term behavioral health and housing infrastructure. In May 2025, DHCS conditionally awarded $3.3 billion through Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready to 121 projects across 42 counties, supporting 4,895 residential beds and 21,402 outpatient slots.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Be Well Campus project received a conditional award through Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready, and the next step is to finalize that funding. San Joaquin County will work with DHCS to complete a Program Funding Agreement, confirm matching funds and property ownership, and wrap up other required documentation before the award becomes final.
Meanwhile, DHCS is preparing to award more than $800 million through Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs. This round is open to eligible applicants statewide, with applications due on October 28, 2025, and awards expected in spring 2026.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Các khoản tài trợ sẽ xây dựng quan hệ đối tác cộng đồng và tăng khả năng tiếp cận điều trị
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has awarded $26 million to more than 70 organizations to combat the opioid crisis in California. These grants are designed to expand access to treatment, strengthen community partnerships, and save lives. The grants represent a critical part of the State’s Opioid Response (SOR) initiative.
“Addressing the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive, compassionate, and community-driven approach. That’s why DHCS is pleased to partner with so many organizations to offer access to this life-changing care,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We must expand access to treatment, invest in prevention, and dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction. Lives are at stake, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support recovery.”
REDUCING UNMET NEEDS AND OPIOID-RELATED OVERDOSES IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES: DHCS awarded $2.1 million to 12 organizations to implement the SOR IV Tribal Local Opioid Coalition (TLOC) program. TLOC supports Tribal and Urban Indian communities by increasing access to treatment, providing culturally rooted recovery services, and reducing overdose-related deaths through prevention and care. The program strengthens recovery efforts for opioid and stimulant use disorder by building partnerships among community members, stakeholders, and service providers.
“DHCS is pleased to support Tribal communities with resources that reflect their unique needs and strengths. The TLOC program empowers local partnerships to expand treatment, prevent substance use, and promote culturally grounded healing,” said Baass.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT: DHCS also awarded nearly $3 million to four DHCS-licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP) to create satellite facilities, called medication units, that provide access to addiction treatment. These medication units will serve people who otherwise struggle to access care, including people in rural areas, justice-involved communities, and people without reliable transportation, and support care integration.
“Geographically isolated communities often face compounded challenges to accessing care, including transportation barriers and systemic inequities. Establishing medication units addresses these gaps by improving access, enhancing retention, and advancing health equity in the areas that need it most,” said Sarah Khawaja-Laljiani, Senior Director of Grants and Patient Services of Pinnacle Treatment Center, a recipient of funding to expand access to Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT).
“This funding opportunity aligns with our commitment to expanding access to evidence-based treatment in underserved communities, said Evelyn Sosa, Senior Vice President of BayMark Health Services. “This support will help us meet patients where they are, removing barriers to care and improving outcomes for people most at risk of overdose.”
EXPANDING ACCESS TO MAT: Additionally, DHCS awarded more than $21 million to 59 DHCS-licensed residential substance use disorder treatment programs to launch or expand the onsite evidence-based MAT services to individuals with an opioid use disorder.
“As the opioid and fentanyl crisis continues to devastate lives across the country, expanding access to MAT services in residential programs is not only a clinical necessity, but a moral imperative,” said Dr. BJ Davis, Executive Director, Gateway House for Women and Sacramento Recovery House for Men. “This funding allows us to meet people where they are with the full continuum of evidence-based care.”
“Our clients require timely access to MAT to manage cravings and begin their journey toward recovery and stability,” said Lindsey Purdie, MBA, Executive Director of The Crossroads Foundation. “Through our partnership with DHCS, we have been given the opportunity to expand our services and better meet the needs of the people we support. We are deeply grateful for this funding and for the ongoing collaboration.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: In 2023, there were 11,359 drug-related overdose deaths. Of those, 8,000 were opioid-related, with 7,000 related to specifically to fentanyl. While a significant portion of Californians meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, only a small percentage receive treatment, often due to limited access to services like MAT and naloxone in rural areas.
BIGGER PICTURE: These grants are part of DHCS’ Opioid Response, a key element of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis. For more information about opioids and how you can protect yourself and loved ones, visit Opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop shop for Californians seeking resources around prevention and treatment.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today shared new data showing how Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports are increasing and helping more people as part of the state’s Medi-Cal transformation under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM).
“The trends reflected in the data demonstrate the real and growing impact of CalAIM in supporting the health and well-being of Medi-Cal members,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We’re seeing especially strong progress in reaching children and youth, expanding access to critical supports like housing and food, and growing the provider networks needed to deliver these services. Together, these efforts are helping more Californians live healthier, more stable lives.”
WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW: Since ECM launched in January 2022, more than 326,000 unique Medi-Cal members have enrolled in this benefit that provides comprehensive, person-centered care coordination for members with complex needs. In the last three months of 2024 alone, more than 149,400 members received ECM services, including more than 31,000 children and youth under 21, nearly four times more than when ECM launched for these groups in July 2023.
Hỗ trợ cộng đồng cũng đang tiếp cận nhiều thành viên Medi-Cal hơn. Đến cuối năm 2024, có khoảng 368.400 thành viên đã sử dụng các dịch vụ này, với tổng số hơn 920.000 dịch vụ được cung cấp. Những hỗ trợ này cung cấp các giải pháp thay thế tiết kiệm chi phí, dựa vào cộng đồng cho dịch vụ chăm sóc y tế truyền thống, giải quyết các yếu tố xã hội ảnh hưởng đến sức khỏe. Trong số những người đã tiếp cận Hỗ trợ cộng đồng trong quý 4 năm 2024:
WHY THIS MATTERS: More Medi-Cal members with complex medical and social needs are accessing ECM and Community Supports. Key drivers of growth include:
PROVIDER NETWORKS ARE GROWING: The number of providers delivering ECM and Community Supports has grown significantly. Managed care plans now hold approximately 2,600 provider contracts for Community Supports alone, up from about 750 in early 2022. This reflects a strong commitment from community-based organizations, housing providers, and local health systems to support CalAIM’s goals.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTS ARE COST-EFFECTIVE: DHCS’ June 2025 cost-effectiveness report shows that Community Supports help reduce overall health care costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-term institutional care, while improving health outcomes.
WHAT’S NEXT: Starting January 1, 2026, Transitional Rent will become a mandatory Community Support and will be available to provide up to six months of rental assistance to members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, are experiencing significant behavioral health needs, and meet certain risk factors. This is another important step in making sure Medi-Cal members have the support they need to live healthy, stable lives in their communities.
DHCS will continue to center feedback from Medi-Cal members to ensure ECM and Community Supports are responsive, accessible, and equitable. By listening closely to people who are directly impacted, California aims to enhance the effectiveness of these programs and better support members’ health and well-being.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) remains committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members. Recent reports and legal developments have raised serious concerns about how federal agencies use Medicaid data, including personal information for the more than 14 million Californians covered by Medi-Cal. We want to share what we know.
Vào tháng 12 29, 2025, một tòa án liên bang đã phán quyết rằng Trung tâm Dịch vụ Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) có thể chia sẻ thông tin hạn chế với Cơ quan Thực thi Nhập cư và Hải quan (ICE) chỉ cho các cá nhân không “cư trú hợp pháp” tại Hoa Kỳ. Tuy nhiên, một số điều không chắc chắn vẫn còn vì chính phủ liên bang chưa cung cấp cho California bất kỳ thông tin nào về cách họ có kế hoạch thực hiện lệnh của tòa án. Chúng tôi sẽ cập nhật trang này với nhiều thông tin hơn khi nó có sẵn.
Information that may be shared about people who are not “lawfully residing” in the United States includes citizenship or immigration status, address, phone number, date of birth, and Medicaid ID. CMS must exclude anyone who is “lawfully residing” in the United States. If data of individuals who are not lawfully residing in the United States cannot be separated from the data that is still protected (e.g., data of lawful permanent residents, U.S. citizen data, sensitive health records, etc.), CMS cannot share the data with ICE. These restrictions remain in place while the multistate lawsuit is ongoing.
Theo luật liên bang, DHCS được yêu cầu nộp báo cáo hàng tháng cho CMS thông qua Hệ thống thông tin thống kê Medicaid đã biến đổi (T-MSIS). Các báo cáo này bao gồm các chi tiết cơ bản về nhân khẩu học và tính đủ điều kiện, chẳng hạn như tên, địa chỉ, ngày sinh, Số An sinh Xã hội (nếu được cung cấp) hoặc ID Medicaid và tình trạng nhập cư, cho mỗi thành viên Medi-Cal. Mặc dù lệnh của tòa án cho phép CMS chia sẻ dữ liệu hạn chế trong các điều kiện cụ thể, DHCS vẫn cam kết bảo vệ quyền riêng tư của thành viên và đang theo dõi chặt chẽ sự phát triển.
In sharing data for immigration enforcement purposes, CMS has broken a 60-year commitment to protect the health and well-being of millions of families. Make no mistake: This is a grave breach of public trust. No one should be forced to live in fear of seeing the doctor or going to the emergency room.
Việc hủy bảo hiểm Medi-Cal hôm nay không xóa thông tin đã được gửi đến cơ quan quản lý nhập cư. Đối với các cá nhân quan tâm về cách chính phủ liên bang có thể sử dụng thông tin cá nhân của họ vì lý do nhập cư, vui lòng tham khảo ý kiến luật sư có trình độ hoặc tổ chức phi lợi nhuận trợ giúp pháp lý đủ điều kiện.
Chúng tôi cam kết minh bạch, quyền riêng tư và đảm bảo rằng tất cả người dân California, bất kể tình trạng nhập cư, đều cảm thấy an toàn khi tiếp cận dịch vụ chăm sóc mà họ cần. Chúng tôi sẽ tiếp tục tương tác với các đối tác cộng đồng, chia sẻ cập nhật và bảo vệ sức khỏe, hạnh phúc và quyền riêng tư của tất cả các thành viên Medi-Cal.
CẬP NHẬT NGÀY 2 THÁNG 1 NĂM 2026
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Dự án sẽ phục vụ 7.665 cá nhân hàng năm
SACRAMENTO — As California continues to strengthen its behavioral health care system, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Safe Passages today celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Wellness Center in Oakland. Funded by almost $9 million through the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 4: Children and Youth, the center will offer community-derived models of mental health services to a projected 7,600 individuals annually in an outpatient setting.
“The opening of the Safe Passages Community Wellness and Prevention Center is a powerful investment in the future of our children and youth. Every child has a right to the tools they need to reach their full potential, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or disability,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “We are supporting community-driven efforts that create safe, healing spaces where young people can access the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This center will serve as a critical hub for early intervention and prevention, helping children and families build resilience and well-being that lasts a lifetime.”
SAFE PASSAGES COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND PREVENTION CENTER: The center will provide mental health services for children and youth in Alameda County from birth to young adulthood, with a focus on high-risk populations. The expanded center will offer early childhood development programs that deliver maternal services and parenting education implemented by early childhood mental health professionals, which are community-derived, research-based, and proven as best practices. These programs include the Life Coaching Program, perinatal and early childhood mental health programs, parent-child psychotherapy, pregnant and postpartum programs, parenting programs, transitional youth development programs, individual and group counseling, and career exploration sessions.
“For more than 29 years, Safe Passages has been committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in our communities and to supporting families and youth to engage in the development of our own solutions and paths,” said Safe Passages CEO Josefina Alvarado Mena. “This wellness center is a gathering space and safe haven where we can build community, share, and grow together.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Nearly 1 in 13 California children and youth experience a serious emotional disturbance. Through BHCIP, DHCS awards eligible entities funding to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure, helping communities meet rising demand and close historic service gaps. These investments are especially critical in rural communities, ensuring people can access timely, life-saving care without having to travel long distances.
BHCIP is part of California’s ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants. In addition, DHCS is distributing 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 recently released the Proposition 1 Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs Request for Applications (RFA). Eligible organizations can apply for funding to construct, acquire, or rehabilitate properties that expand behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members and other Californians in need. DHCS will award more than $800 million in grants to support community-based facilities for mental health and substance use disorder care.
VỀ BHCIP VÒNG 4: TRẺ EM VÀ THANH THIẾU NIÊN: BHCIP Round 4, part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, focuses not only on children and youth, but all Californians ages 25 and younger, including pregnant and postpartum women and their children and transition-age youth ages 16-25, along with their families. The 52 awards totaling $480.5 million allow for new construction and expansion of multiple outpatient and residential facility types, including children’s crisis residential programs, perinatal residential substance use disorder facilities, community wellness/youth prevention centers, and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today announced the availability of data showing that Medi-Cal Community Supports are successful and cost-effective. The data show that Community Supports are delivering on their promise to address Medi-Cal member needs—reducing avoidable emergency department visits, hospital stays, and long-term care use while showing strong early signs of cost savings. All 12 Community Supports studied are reducing costs, and of these, nine have already demonstrated cost-effectiveness within the initial study period. The remaining three are projected to reach that threshold over a longer study period, consistent with federal rules for evaluating cost-effectiveness.
“Community Supports represent a fundamental shift in how we deliver health care to Californians, enhancing quality of care for Medi-Cal members and strengthening the overall efficiency and equity of our health care system,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “These findings confirm that these services are not only improving lives, but also reducing avoidable health care costs. By scaling these supports statewide, we’re making meaningful progress toward a person-centered Medi-Cal system that meets members where they are and prioritizes prevention, dignity, and value.”
California’s Community Supports were approved in the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) waivers and phased in by Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCP) beginning in 2022. CalAIM is the state’s initiative to transform Medi-Cal to improve care quality, reduce complexity, and advance equity through data-driven, whole-person care initiatives.
WHY THIS MATTERS: Medi-Cal currently offers 14 Community Supports. These services promote housing stability, ease transitions from institutional settings, support in-home care, provide healthy meals, and offer caregiver relief, helping members avoid costlier hospital or emergency care. The report analyzed 12 of these supports to assess their impact on health and cost outcomes. These 12 out of 14 Community Supports were studied because they are authorized under California’s 1915(b) CalAIM waiver, which California is required to report on each year to the federal government.
DHCS submitted its annual 2024 report to the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. It analyzes the impact of 12 Community Supports on member health care, including a new cost-effectiveness analysis for calendar year 2023. Key highlights from the report include:
COST-EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS: Research showed that 9 of the 12 Community Supports studied are already demonstrably cost-effective, and three are likely to be proven so over time, consistent with federal rules. Members using these services typically saw net reductions in (or offsets of) applicable service costs. Examples include:
The cost-effectiveness analysis may be understated due to the short evaluation period, resulting in immediate costs being fully captured but not longer-term savings. DHCS acknowledges that broader initiatives, like Enhanced Care Management, may influence these results. Future evaluations may refine these methods as more data become available, and an independent evaluation will be conducted in line with waiver requirements.
IMPACT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTS: The expansion of Community Supports has increased access in rural and underserved areas, with health plans such as Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, and Partnership HealthPlan of California leading efforts to introduce new services in both urban and rural counties. These three plans are among the largest in the state and demonstrated significant expansion of Community Supports in 2024, both in terms of the number of new services elected and geographic spread, particularly in rural counties. As a result, Medi-Cal members in all 58 California counties now have access to a broad array of Community Supports.
WHAT’S NEXT: DHCS released an updated Community Supports Policy Guide that is aligned with the Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Action Plan. On July 1, 2025, the new Transitional Rent benefit will be optional for MCPs to offer, and will become the first mandatory Community Support on January 1, 2026.
DHCS vẫn cam kết mở rộng và tăng cường Hỗ trợ cộng đồng để đáp ứng tốt hơn các nhu cầu xã hội liên quan đến sức khỏe của các thành viên Medi-Cal trên toàn tiểu bang. California đang phát huy những nỗ lực mang tính lịch sử của mình để giải quyết vấn đề chăm sóc toàn diện cho con người thông qua công tác phòng ngừa, phẩm giá và sự ổn định, đồng thời chú trọng đến lợi nhuận. Cách tiếp cận này đang tạo ra sự khác biệt, đặc biệt là trong việc giảm việc sử dụng dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe không cần thiết và cải thiện trải nghiệm của các thành viên có nhiều nhu cầu sức khỏe phức tạp.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
Dự án sẽ phục vụ 3.650 thanh thiếu niên nuôi dưỡng hàng năm
SACRAMENTO — On May 16, 2025, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Sycamores celebrated the groundbreaking of Sycamores’ Children’s Crisis Continuum Program, a new behavioral health facility in Altadena. This transformative project will target gaps in the crisis continuum for foster youth across Los Angeles County, with the aim of addressing crises early to avoid escalation in care. DHCS awarded Sycamores more than $2 million for the project through Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum.
BHCIP is a key component of Mental Health for All, 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.
Just days earlier, on May 12, DHCS awarded $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding through the Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready awards. This historic investment is funding 124 projects across 42 counties to create or expand 214 behavioral health facilities across California. This investment will result in 5,077 new residential treatment beds and 21,882 new outpatient slots for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, bringing essential behavioral health services closer to the Californians who need them most, including those in the foster care system.
“We’re working to ensure foster youth with significant mental health needs are supported with the services they need,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Organizations like Sycamores are essential to transforming how we respond to urgent behavioral health challenges. By bringing compassionate, community-based care directly to children and youth in need, they exemplify a behavioral health system that meets people where they are with dignity, support, and hope.”
SYCAMORES’ CHILDREN’S CRISIS CONTINUUM PROGRAM: This project will target gaps in the crisis continuum specifically for foster youth by creating a psychiatric health facility with eight beds and a crisis stabilization unit with 10 slots, projected to serve 3,650 individuals annually in an outpatient setting. This project will help support youth living in the community who are experiencing a crisis to avoid the need for a higher level of care in more restrictive settings. The programs are designed to give youth and caregivers tools to manage their crisis, including skill-building, psychiatric monitoring, psychiatry, therapy, case management, and medication management.
“With the groundbreaking of Sycamores’ new children’s crisis programs, our organization will be in the unique position of meeting the urgent mental health needs of thousands of children and youth in crisis throughout Los Angeles County,” said Debra Manners, Sycamores’ President and CEO. “Considering Sycamores’ long-standing reputation for providing compassionate, life-changing care, we are honored to be able to expand our services with the opening of our programs.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 1.2 million adults in California live with a serious mental illness, and 1 in 13 children has a serious emotional disturbance. Also, 82 percent of Californians experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental health condition, and 1 in 10 Californians meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. Additionally, shortages of behavioral health treatment sites contribute to rising rates of homelessness and incarceration among people with mental health disorders.
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.
ABOUT BHCIP ROUND 5: CRISIS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM: BHCIP Round 5: Crisis and Behavioral Health Continuum was developed, in part, through a statewide needs assessment that identified significant gaps in available crisis services. This assessment showed the need for a better system of crisis care to reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and incarceration. The 33 awards, totaling $430 million, are being used to build and expand crisis care and behavioral health facilities statewide and will serve vulnerable Californians of all ages, including Medi-Cal members. Please see the BHCIP website for more information about grant recipients and additional details about all BHCIP funding rounds.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Thanks to Prop 1, today’s funding is estimated to create over 5,000 residential treatment beds and more than 21,800 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced $3.3 billion in grant funding today to create over 5,000 residential treatment beds and more than 21,800 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health care services and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California. Administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 1: Launch Ready awards will significantly expand access to care for Californians experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders, including those experiencing homelessness.
Here is a list of today’s awardees.
“Californians demanded swift action to address our state’s behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024. Today, we’re delivering our biggest win yet. These launch-ready projects will build and expand residential beds and treatment slots for those who need help. Whether it’s crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we’re ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time.” ~Governor Gavin Newsom
When fully awarded, funding from Proposition 1 bonds is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build on other major behavioral health initiatives in California.
Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency : “Today marks a critical milestone in our commitment to transforming California’s behavioral health system. Through these awards, we are investing in bold, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, promote equity, and meet people where they are. These projects are a reflection of our values and vision for a healthier, more compassionate California.”
Michelle Baass, DHCS Director: “This is a generational investment in California’s behavioral health future. We are not just building facilities. We are building hope, dignity, and pathways to healing for thousands of Californians. These investments will significantly enhance our state’s capacity to provide timely, effective care for individuals in their own communities.”
WHY THIS MATTERS: The Bond BHCIP Round 1 awards will help to create a comprehensive behavioral health system, ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time, whether it be for crisis stabilization, inpatient care, or long-term treatment. As part of the state’s goal to reduce mental health crises, increase the availability of services, and support community-based solutions, these investments are vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of behavioral health services.
Through BHCIP, DHCS has competitively awarded grants to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure for behavioral health. Proposition 1, passed in March 2024, increases funding opportunities to expand BHCIP to serve even more Californians with mental health and substance use disorders through infrastructure development.
BIGGER PICTURE: California’s Mental Health for All initiative is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities. BHCIP supports the creation, renovation, and expansion of facilities that serve individuals with mental health and substance use disorder needs, with a focus on crisis care, residential treatment, and outpatient services. DHCS has already awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP competitive grants.
There is a 7,000-plus behavioral health bed shortfall in California, contributing to unmet needs among people experiencing homelessness who have mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Bond BHCIP funding is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health and will build upon other major behavioral health initiatives in California. This investment will help address the behavioral health bed shortfall.
WHAT COMES NEXT: Today’s announcement represents the first of two Bond BHCIP funding rounds. The second round, Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs, will provide over $800 million in competitive funding awards for behavioral health treatment facilities and is open to all entities. Interested entities are encouraged to apply after the Round 2 Request for Applications goes live as soon as later this month.
Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will oversee up to $2 billion in Proposition 1 funds to build permanent supportive housing for veterans and others who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have mental health or substance use disorder challenges.
LEARN MORE: For more information about Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready, please visit the BHCIP website. Additional guidance on Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready and Round 2: Unmet Needs is available here. Visit the Behavioral Health Transformation webpage for updates and resources, including recordings of regular public listening sessions.
Here is a list of today’s awardees.
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Văn phòng Truyền thông
(916) 440-7660
DHCSPress@dhcs.ca.gov