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.
CMS Approves Calendar Year 2023 Medi-Cal Managed Care Rates
What’s happening: On Sept. 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Medi-Cal managed care rates for the rating period from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023.
DHCS to Reduce Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will issue reduced disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments in October, covering the July-September 2025 payment period.
2025 Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference
What’s happening: On Nov. 3-4, California hospital finance experts will gather at CHA’s members-only Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference to examine the fiscal impact of state and federal regulations and policies on hospitals.
DHCS Releases Private Hospital-Directed Payment Encounter Files
What’s happening: On Sept. 26, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) uploaded three new hospital data sets that hospitals must download before the files are deleted on Nov. 10.
2025 Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference Agenda Now Finalized
What’s happening: On Nov. 3-4, California hospital finance experts will gather at CHA’s members-only Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference to examine the fiscal impact of state and federal regulations and policies on hospitals.
Public Comments Due Oct. 17 for DHCS’ 2026 Distinct Part Nursing Facility, Subacute Draft Rates
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently posted the calendar year (CY) 2026 draft rates for Distinct Part Nursing Facilities, Level B and Distinct Part Subacute on its website.
Texas Secures Major Legal Victory in Provider Tax Dispute, Implications for California Not Yet Known
What’s happening: In a favorable ruling last week, a Texas district court vacated a set of policies from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that bar private provider arrangements from redistributing Medicaid funding in connection with provider tax programs.
DHCS Shares Additional Information for Beneficiaries on Upcoming Medi-Cal Changes
What’s happening: Last month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released a Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter that includes an FAQ document on upcoming changes to Medi-Cal coverage for Californians without satisfactory immigration status, along with a letter that will be sent to impacted Californians in November.
State Agencies Respond to New Law Protecting Access to Vaccines in California
What’s happening: Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 144, which aims to protect access to vaccines in California.
New Summary Shares Key Provisions of FFY 2026 IPPS Final Rule
What’s happening: CHA has issued a summary detailing the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) final rule.