MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
25-993 Expanded Access to Community Health Worker Services
Health Net·CA·Provider News
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
DHCS has eliminated the requirement for written recommendations for Community Health Worker (CHW) services for Medi-Cal patients - providers can now verbally inform eligible patients about CHW services. This streamlines access for patients with chronic conditions, behavioral health needs, social determinants issues, or frequent healthcare utilization.
Action Required
Immediately: Update patient education workflows to inform eligible Medi-Cal patients they can access CHW services through verbal recommendation only. Train front desk and clinical staff on eligibility criteria including chronic conditions, behavioral health issues, social needs, frequent ED visits, or missed appointments. Providers should verbally inform qualifying patients they can call Member Services or use the online directory to find in-network CHWs.