Welcome to the archive of the Policy & Program Update, CAPH’s member newsletter. Here you can easily access past issues to stay connected with key updates and advocacy priorities.

2026

April 10, 2026: Ms. Katie Rodriguez appointed as Interim CEO and President of CAPH. California legislature enters one of the busiest stretches of the year. Rural Health Transformation Program, DHCS maternal health updates, new application tool added to DHCS’ Behavioral Health Licensing and Certification Portal, federal 2027 fiscal year budget outline released, SNI new blog spotlights Ventura Medical Center, and resources.

April 24, 2026: Advocacy ramps us as we head into the Governor’s May Revision and final stretch of budget negotiations. Senate releases State Budget Framework, CAPH clinical leaders and frontline providers head to Sacramento for lobby day, Office of Health Care Affordability April Board Meeting, federal Budget Reconciliation update, and resources.  

March 13, 2026: Bill season begins in earnest as Medi-Cal stakes come into focus, 1115 Waiver comment period closes, CAPH hosts State Lobby Day, federal scrutiny related fraud increases, CMS guidance on 6-month eligibility redeterminations, resources, and upcoming events.  

March 27, 2026: Ms. Erica Murray resigns as CEO and President of CAPH after 21 years. CAPH holds successful State Lobby Day, CSAC announces countywide H.R. 1 budget request, Office of Health Care Affordability March Board meeting, DHCS real time behavioral health data sharing webinar, retroactive Medi-Cal eligibility guidance released, Rural Health Transformation Program, CMS fraud crackdown, resources, and upcoming events.

Feb. 13, 2026: Assembly Health Committee’s hearing on impacts of H.R.1, CSAC report on financial impacts of H.R. 1, and DHCS releases guidance on H.R. 1 eligibility and enrollment changes. Other updates include CDPH releases All Facilities Letter on nurse staffing ratio violations, MCO tax update, Health Care Affordability Board meeting update, and DSH cuts eliminated for two years.

Feb. 27, 2026: Bill introduction deadline passes and budget hearings ramp up, CAPH State Lobby Day, and DHCS released 1115 Waiver Demonstration for public comment. Other updates include Medi-Cal FFS Enrollment for prescribers, paper application process for Medi-Cal during online outages, and Medi-Cal Hospice attestation form. CAPH brings member stories to capital hill and 340B rebate model update. 

Jan 23, 2026: California state legislature ramps up state budget and legislative negotiations, DHCS released All County Welfare Director Letters on upcoming coverage changes, CalHHS webinar on impact of federal policy changes, DHCS launches streamlined health insurance paper application, and federal update on funding package.

Jan 9, 2026: 2026 state legislative session begins, Medi-Cal coverage changes, federal budget negotiations, updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program, court ruling on data sharing between CMS and ICE, and 340B rebate model pilot program update.

Click here to access Policy & Program Updates from 2025.