DHCS Seeks Six-Month Delay of Medi-Cal Work Requirements
The California Department of Health Care Services has asked CMS for a six-month good faith effort exemption from implementing Medi-Cal work and community engagement requirements, originally scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027. DHCS says it was on track for the original timeline until CMS issued a June 3, 2026 interim final rule requiring 71 additional eligibility system business rules and substantial revisions to completed policy, operational and technology work. DHCS estimates the changes put roughly 4.8 million Medi-Cal expansion members at risk of noncompliant eligibility determinations if the original timeline proceeds. If CMS approves the request, DHCS would continue implementation work during the exemption period and provide CMS regular updates on milestones, risks, and operational readiness.