DHCS Opens Public Comment on CalAIM 1915(b) Waiver Renewal

Last week, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) opened a 30-day public comment period to solicit feedback on its plan to submit a five-year renewal application for the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1915(b) waiver, which is currently set to expire at the end of the year. The renewal builds on prior efforts to align Medi-Cal’s managed care delivery systems under a unified authority and reflects DHCS’ continued commitment to improving outcomes, strengthening accountability, and advancing equity across the program. It seeks to continue existing authorities while advancing a targeted change to streamline behavioral health by integrating specialty mental health and substance use disorder services into a single delivery system. DHCS has posted a high-level overview of the CalAIM Section 1915(b) renewal application, which outlines core component and policies authorized under the waiver. The full application will be posted once DHCS has submitted it to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  

The CalAIM Section 1915(b) waiver, in conjunction with the recently submitted CalAIM Section 1115 demonstration renewal application, continues California’s efforts to integrate person-centered care coordination, prioritize prevention, and address social drivers of health.

DHCS is soliciting feedback through Saturday, June 20, 2026. Comments may be emailed to CalAIMWaiver@dhcs.ca.gov with “CalAIM Section 1915(b) Waiver” in the subject line. Comments may also be mailed to: 

Department of Health Care Services  
Director’s Office  
Attention: Tyler Sadwith  
P.O. Box 997413, MS 0000  
Sacramento, California 95899-7413  

Additional details on the state’s efforts to continue CalAIM initiatives can be found on the DHCS CalAIM 1115 Demonstration and 1915(b) Waiver webpage.