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HCAI outlines Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health training scholarship, timelines and service obligations
Summary
The Department of Health Care Access and Information detailed the Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Community‑Based Provider Training Program: up to $21.25 million statewide, individual awards up to $10,000 (paid to training providers), a three‑year service obligation in Medi‑Cal safety‑net settings, and an application window opening March 16, 2026.
The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on the webinar explained a new Medi‑Cal Behavioral Health Community‑Based Provider Training Program that will fund training costs for people preparing to become alcohol and other drug counselors, Medi‑Cal community health workers and Medi‑Cal peer support specialists.
HCAI Section Chief for Behavioral Health and Policy Angela Branch said the grant cycle will make up to $21,250,000 available statewide, with individual awards of up to $10,000 to cover eligible training and education costs. "Funds will be paid directly to the training or education provider," Branch said, describing how payments will flow under the BH Connect terms and conditions.
The program is part of BH Connect, California’s broader behavioral health transformation. Branch said federal approval of the BH Connect 1115 demonstration waiver and related state plan amendments (approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in December 2024) enables the state to use federal funds to expand community‑based services and workforce programs. HCAI said it and the California Department of Health Care Services will invest up to $1.9 billion across five workforce programs between…
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