HCAI outlines $1.9 billion BH Connect workforce plan, CalRx changes and diaper‑access proposal in May Revision

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) presented several May Revision proposals to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health, including: a behavioral‑health workforce initiative under the BH Connect framework requiring substantial federal match and state funds; a CalRx adjustment redirecting $5,000,000 of previously deferred funds to high‑priority generic drugs while reverting $45,000,000 originally set for an in‑state insulin manufacturing facility; and a diaper access initiative that would provide an initial three‑month diaper supply for newborns under a phased rollout.

BH Connect workforce proposal: HCAI requested expenditure and reimbursement authority of up to $1,900,000,000 over five years and 57 positions to implement the BH Connect workforce initiative (including programs created under Senate Bill 326 and Proposition 1). HCAI said the package includes significant federal matching dollars; the department indicated $807,500,000 of general‑fund support is reflected in HCAI's built‑in…