California agency details Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship: $96.9 million pool, applications open Feb. 2

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) outlined details and answered questions about the Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program at a public webinar, saying the program will open applications on Feb. 2, 2026, and that the first cycle includes up to $96,900,000 to support students and trainees in behavioral‑health professions.

"We have up to $96,900,000 available," said Andres Gonzalez, health program specialist and policy lead for the scholarship program. Gonzalez said individual awards "may be as high as $240,000 depending on the profession," and emphasized that program rules come from the BH Connect special terms and conditions agreed with federal partners.

The scholarship is restricted to education‑related costs only. Gonzalez said payments may cover tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks and supplies required by the program; the funds cannot be used for living expenses, child care, transportation or distributed directly to individual participants. Instead, HCAI will pay institutions and colleges will distribute funds to students per the contract terms.

Applicants may include a broad set of behavioral‑health roles. Gonzalez listed eligible professions that range from alcohol and…