May 18, 2026

Top News

Governor's 2026-27 May Revision Proposal

The Governor's proposed May Revision for DHCS' 2026–27 budget totals $223.2 billion ($45.7 billion General Fund). The budget maintains the State's commitment to protecting access to care for more than 14 million Californians while responsibly adjusting to federal policy changes and fiscal pressures. The proposal supports core Medi-Cal services while continuing targeted reforms to strengthen behavioral health and advance efforts to promote stability and support a person-centered care system. Please see the DHCS 2026-27 May Revision Budget page for more information.

CalAIM Section 1115 Waiver Renewal Request Submitted

On May 11, DHCS submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services a five-year renewal request of the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1115 demonstration waiver. The renewal builds on the successes of CalAIM by continuing existing initiatives and introduces targeted new supports to deliver more coordinated, person-centered, and value-based care for Medi-Cal members. These include reentry services for justice-involved individuals, substance use disorder treatment flexibilities in the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, culturally responsive services delivered by Tribal and Indian health care providers, and alignment policies for dual eligible members. The renewal also proposes targeted new initiatives to address emerging needs and policy priorities, including Employment Supports to help eligible individuals meet federal work and community engagement reporting requirements and BridgeCare Pilots that would allow local entities to provide home and community-based services for low-income Medicare members who are above Medi-Cal eligibility thresholds. These new initiatives are designed to support coverage continuity and reduce long-term federal and state costs. Please visit the DHCS CalAIM 1115 Demonstration & 1915(b) Waiver webpage for more information.

Program Updates

Community Health Worker (CHW) Policy Clarifications

On May 15, DHCS published a Provider Bulletin (#2) and corresponding Medi-Cal Provider Manual updates that bolster and clarify existing policy to ensure Medi-Cal providers understand that CHWs may provide key preventive services and bill appropriately. The updated CHW Preventive Services section provides clearer guidance on covered CHW services, individual billing using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) 98960 or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) G0019/G0022; group billing using CPT 98961/98962; use of telehealth modalities; and additional resources for providers. Also, CHWs may offer health education, health navigation, screening and assessment, and individual support and advocacy.

As part of implementing new federal eligibility and enrollment changes under H.R. 1, DHCS aims to minimize disruption and support counties, plans, providers, and partners through clear, actionable guidance. Under health navigation, CHWs may assist Medi-Cal members in enrolling or maintaining enrollment in Medi-Cal and in other government or assistance programs that support better health. Providers can access more information on the CHW webpage. Updates will appear across multiple Medi-Cal Provider Manuals, including Chronic Dialysis Clinics; Clinics and Hospitals; Community-Based Adult Services; General Medicine; Home Health Agencies/Home and Community-Based Services; Obstetrics; Psychological Services; Rehabilitation Clinics; and Therapies. Please email CHWBenefit@dhcs.ca.gov if you have any questions.

DHCS Website Migrating to a New Platform

On May 20, the DHCS website will move to a more secure, accessible platform that aligns with statewide CA.gov design standards. This is part of a multiyear modernization initiative designed to improve how Californians access health care information. While the site's visual design and homepage will receive a refreshed look, navigation will remain familiar, and all existing content will migrate as is to ensure continuity for partners, providers, county staff, and the public. All current URLs and bookmarks will continue to work through comprehensive redirect mapping. Future phases of the project will focus on improving, consolidating, and rewriting content across all DHCS programs to make information clearer, easier to find, and more user friendly. Partners are encouraged to check their frequently used DHCS links and report any issues using the “Website Feedback" button on the bottom of every web page to ensure uninterrupted access to critical resources.

CalAIM Dashboards Updated

DHCS released an update to the public‑facing Medi‑Cal Transformation (CalAIM) Data Dashboards. This update introduces new dashboard enhancements for Behavioral Health, Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH), and Integrated Care for Dual Eligible Members. It also adds new functionality and refreshed data for Population Health Management, Bold Goals, Community Supports, and Enhanced Care Management. These enhancements reflect DHCS' ongoing commitment to providing transparent, timely data that showcases the impact, progress, and key opportunity areas across CalAIM initiatives. Additional updates will continue to be made as new data become available.

Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence

California is expanding access to community-based behavioral health services by increasing the use of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), which are a key component of the Section 1115 Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) demonstration and the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). To help counties and providers put these practices into action effectively, DHCS launched Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence (COE), which offer free training, technical assistance, and fidelity tools to county behavioral health agencies and providers to support high‑quality implementation of EBPs across the state. All resources are available on the Behavioral Health COE Resource Hub, which serves as the central home for guidance, tools, and updates. Please email any questions to bhcoe.info@dhcs.ca.gov.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its Accounting, Population Health Management, 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.

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

On May 20, 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. This meeting will include updates on DHCS' Comprehensive Quality and Health Equity Strategy, Behavioral Health Transformation, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative's Fee Schedule program and BrightLife Kids and Soluna, and BH-CONNECT policy and implementation. 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.

California Opioid Settlements Annual Expenditures Report (SFY 2023-24) Meeting

On May 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a public meeting (advance registration required) to discuss the California Opioid Settlements Annual Expenditures Report for State Fiscal Year 2023‑24. The report provides an overview of opioid settlement and bankruptcy payments and expenditures at the state, city, and county levels. The meeting will review allowable expenditures, explain how funds were appropriated to state projects, and summarize local spending by cities and counties. DHCS encourages participating cities and counties to participate in this meeting to learn more about California's efforts and the impactful use of settlement funds statewide.

Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series

On May 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host a Coverage Ambassador webinar (advance registration required) to provide an overview of the Birthing Care Pathway. Spanish translation and live captions will be available. 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.

Protect Access to Health Care Act (PAHCA) SAC Meeting

On May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the PAHCA-SAC meeting (advance registration required for online participation) at 1700 K Street (First Floor Conference Room 17.1014), Sacramento. The committee is responsible for advising DHCS on developing and implementing components of the Protect Access to Health Care Act of 2024 (Proposition 35). Please see the DHCS website for more information, and email your questions to DHCSPAHCA@dhcs.ca.gov.

Smile, California Mobile Dental Van Event (Plumas County)

On June 1 and 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, Smile, California mobile dental van events will be held in Plumas County to provide free dental services, including x-rays, cleanings, and sealants, to community members. The van will be located at 372 Main Street in Chester, California. Families may call 1-888-585-3368 to schedule an appointment, pre-register, and complete the consent forms ahead of time, and they may visit SmileCalifornia.org for more details. Smile, California is DHCS' Medi-Cal Dental education and outreach campaign designed to help more than 14 million members access and use their dental benefits.

In Case You Missed It

Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference: Registration Now Open

On May 1, DHCS opened registration for the 20th annual Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Integrated Care Conference, which will take place on August 25-27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Convention Center. This three-day conference is designed for behavioral health researchers, administrators, policy staff, advocates, and professionals in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Early bird registration is available through July 31. For questions about the SUD Conference, please email DHCSPrevention@dhcs.ca.gov.​