New Fact Sheets: Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services Explained

Jun 11

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As California's population ages, Medi-Cal home and community-based services (HCBS) are playing an increasingly important role in how the state supports older adults and people with disabilities. These services allow people to receive care at home and in their communities rather than in institutional settings – an approach that is both person-centered and cost-effective.

Medi-Cal HCBS policy is complex, spanning multiple programs, funding streams, eligibility rules, and provider types. We developed a series of fact sheets for the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) that offers a clear snapshot of the HCBS landscape. These are designed to help policymakers, legislative staff, and other stakeholders better understand key programs and access pathways as they consider how to ensure HCBS access, improve coordination, and support the workforce.

The What Are Home and Community-Based Services series includes:

Introduction to Medi-Cal HCBS: explains what HCBS are and how they help people
Overview of HCBS Programs: outlines range of programs available, who they serve, how they are structured, and availability across California
How People Access and Enroll: highlights how people connect to, qualify for, enroll in, and receive Medi-Cal HCBS – including where access challenges can arise
Who Provides HCBS?: spotlights the types of the providers and workforce delivering Medi-Cal HCBS

For more on this work or to discuss HCBS policy, reach out to Kristal Vardaman.