DHCS Releases New Guide to Medi-Cal’s Community Supports Program  

A new policy guide from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) offers a chance for counties to learn more about a key part of Governor Newsom’s effort to enhance Medi-Cal. 

Community Supports, part of California’s Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative, allows managed care plans (MCPs) to offer optional services to address eligible members’ health-related social needs — including support for housing. 

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released an updated Community Supports Policy Guide, which is now organized in two volumes. 

According to DHCS, the refreshed guide provides clearer service definitions and implementation guidance for Medi-Cal MCPs.  

Volume 1 of the revised guide covers eight Community Supports for general health-related needs, such as medically-tailored meals, asthma remediation, and respite services. View Volume 1 here. DHCS will host a webinar on Friday, May 16 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on the contents of Volume 1. Advance registration is required. 

Volume 2 of the revised guide covers seven Community Supports specifically designed to support Medi-Cal members experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including the newest service, Transitional Rent. Transitional Rent will be optional for MCPs beginning July 1, 2025, and mandatory starting January 1, 2026. View Volume 2 here. DHCS will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 14 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on the contents of Volume 2. Advance registration is required.