LegCon 2026: Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy Committee Meeting Recap 

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By
Justin Garrett, Brendan McCarthy, Danielle Bradley
Date Published
May 28, 2026

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy Committee met on Wednesday, May 20 in Sacramento as part of the 2026 CSAC Legislative Conference. The HHS Policy Committee is led by Chair Supervisor Holly Mitchell (Los Angeles County) and Vice-Chairs Supervisor Lynda Salcido (Mono County) and Supervisor Matt Plummer (Shasta County). The meeting focused heavily on the future of county safety net services amid federal and state changes.  

The HHS Policy Committee was first joined by Tyler Sadwith, State Medicaid Director and Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Mr. Sadwith presented on California’s proposed five-year renewal of the CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration, which was submitted to CMS earlier this month. The renewal proposes to continue existing initiatives, including justice-involved reentry services, and introduces two new county opt-in initiatives intended to improve job readiness for Medi-Cal members and avoid institutional care for low-income older adults.  

Next, the HHS Policy Committee received an update from CSAC staff on counties’ budget advocacy related to H.R. 1 for indigent care, eligibility workforce, public hospitals, and behavioral health. The Committee discussed the Updated County H.R. 1 Multi-Year Budget Request following the Governor’s May Revision, which did not provide meaningful support for H.R. 1 implementation. As an alternative to the original funding request for county indigent care programs, counties recommend a two-year, emergency-only Medi-Cal benefit for people who lose coverage while the state develops a long-term plan. 

Finally, the Committee was joined by Lake County Behavioral Health Director Elise Jones and Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director Dr. Ryan Quist who discussed their local Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis programs and development of Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Integrated Plans. The presentation highlighted operational challenges, fiscal uncertainties, and the role county boards of supervisors will play in approving integrated behavioral health planning efforts. 

Before adjourning, the Committee also received updates on state budget and legislative developments, including In-Home Supportive Services and homelessness funding.  

To access all meeting materials, including meeting agendas and presentations, please visit the CSAC website. Please feel free to contact CSAC HHS staff with any questions: