About Medi-Cal
More than 15 million Californians rely on Medi-Cal, the state’s version of the federal program known as Medicaid, for health insurance. The program acts as California’s health care coverage safety net, with those on Medi-Cal often living in communities with a lack of adequate health care providers. Without significant investments to support providers that deliver health care to California’s most vulnerable, millions living in rural and underserved areas are in jeopardy.
DHCS Issues RFI to Shape Comprehensive Hospital Value Strategy
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued a request for information that seeks to collect input from stakeholders and shape DHCS’ comprehensive “Hospital Value Strategy.” The RFI deadline is April 17.
State Submits Hospital Fee Program 10 to CMS
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) submitted its Hospital Fee Program tax model for calendar year 2026 (Program 10) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
State to Issue DSH April Payments Starting Next Week
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will issue disproportionate share hospital (DSH) April payments for the period of February-March 2026.
DHCS Releases Private Hospital-Directed Payment Encounter Files
What’s happening: On March 27, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) uploaded three new hospital data sets that hospitals must download before the files are deleted on May 11.
Recording of Hospital Fee Program Executive Briefing Now Available
What’s happening: A recording of CHA’s March 18 executive briefing on the Hospital Fee Program is now available for members who may have missed it.
State Files Revised Hospital Fee Program Application
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) submitted its revised Hospital Fee Program tax model for calendar year 2025 (Program 9) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Future of Medi-Cal Commission Advisory Group Discusses Draft Priorities
What’s happening: The Advisory Group for the Future of Medi-Cal Commission held its second meeting on March 3. The group met to review and provide feedback on draft priorities that will help shape the commission’s recommendations for the long-term direction of California’s Medicaid program.
Future of Medi-Cal Commission Advisory Group Discusses Draft Priorities
What’s happening: The Advisory Group for the Future of Medi-Cal Commission held its second meeting on March 3. The group met to review and provide feedback on draft priorities that will help shape the commission’s recommendations for the long-term direction of California’s Medicaid program.
State Consulting Contract Targets Medi-Cal Oversight, Program Integrity, and Hospital Payment Reform
What’s happening: The California Department of Finance has hired Boston Consulting Group — under a contract worth up to $20 million — to identify cost savings and operational improvements across several state programs, including oversight of Medi-Cal managed care plans, Medi-Cal fraud detection, and hospital payment policies.
Commission Examines System-Level Challenges During First Meeting
What’s happening: The Future of Medi-Cal Commission meeting on Jan. 22 brought commissioners together for the first time, giving the group an opportunity to introduce themselves and start tackling the challenges facing Medi-Cal.