The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Thursday and is at the core of CHA benefits. In addition, it is also home to resources such as toolkits and talking points designed to help member hospitals and health systems communicate with internal and external audiences on a range of current health care-related issues. Links to CHA media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
DHCS Publishes APLs on Several Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Policies
What is happening: The Department of Health Care Services has published All Plan Letters (APLs) updating policies for Medi-Cal managed care plan (MCP) coverage of skilled nursing, subacute care, and intermediate care facility services.
A New Era for the American Hospital Association
A couple of weeks ago, the American Hospital Association stepped forward into its next chapter with the appointment of Steve Walsh as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Walsh takes AHA’s reins following the announcement late last year that my friend and current President and CEO Rick Pollack would be retiring after nearly 50 years with the organization.
A Turning Point for Hospitals Amid the Maelstrom
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ― C.S. Lewis
CMS Approves Hospital Fee Program 9
What’s happening: Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved the most critical components of California’s 2025 Hospital Fee Program (Program 9).
CHA, Hospital Advocacy Stalls Bill Prohibiting Facility Fees
What’s happening: This week, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) pulled Assembly Bill (AB) 225, her authored bill that would have prohibited hospitals from charging facility fees for certain services provided in off-campus outpatient departments, from the July 1 Senate Health Committee agenda.
2026-27 State Budget Includes Support for Distressed Hospitals
What’s happening: This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law the 2026-27 fiscal year state budget. Of note to hospitals, the final budget agreement includes $135 million to help financially distressed hospitals and $250 million to support public hospitals.
CARB Extends Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Deadline to Nov. 10
What’s happening: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has moved the Aug. 10 deadline for reporting Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions to Nov. 10.
DHCS to Host July 9 Webinar on Value Strategy
What's happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will host a public webinar on July 9 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (PT) to discuss its long-term vision for advancing value in Medi-Cal.
Financial Indicator Analysis Now Available
What’s happening: CHA DataSuite has issued hospital-specific financial indicator analysis using first-quarter 2026 data from the Healthcare Cost Report Information System.
HCAI Releases New Details on CalRHT Funding Opportunities
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) this week released details on forthcoming grants under the California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) program. The first opportunity is intended for “accelerator partners,” aimed at supporting collaborative models to strengthen primary and maternity care in rural communities; a grant guide is now available and applications will open...
