HASD&IC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will join HASD&IC for a webinar on Oct. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. (PT) on the Hospital Presumptive Eligibility Program and the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program. DHCS will provide an overview of both programs and share common mistakes made by providers that cause delays in benefits. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the presentation. Because we would like to give DHCS time to review your questions in advance and respond during the Q&A session, please submit your questions by Oct. 14. Advance registration is requested.
PUBLIC CHARGE FINAL RULE: On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published the final rule for public charge determinations and the use of public benefits. The final rule — which takes effect Dec. 23 — restores previous policies, including the exclusion of Medi-Cal when determining the use of public benefits, with the exception of long-term institutionalized care. An updated Public Charge Guide has been posted on the California Health and Human Services Agency website to serve as a resource for individuals and families with questions about the current federal public charge policy.
CDPH LEADERSHIP UPDATES AND DISTRICT SESSIONS: On Nov. 10, the California Hospital Association will host its annual meeting between members and the Center for Health Care Quality (CHCQ) at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This is an opportunity for hospital staff to hear from the leadership of the CHCQ and connect with CDPH District Office leaders. Topics to be discussed include:
- COVID-19: Where is it going and what is ahead when the public health emergency ends?
- Monkeypox: What hospitals are seeing and what is CDPH planning for?
- CDPH’s plans for relicensing and recertification surveys
Similar to previous years, attendees will break out into meetings for Q&A with their CHCQ District Office representatives.
TELEHEALTH EQUITY PROGRAM: Free virtual COVID-19 visits for Californians are available through CDPH. This service supports uninsured and underinsured individuals within the state of California who cannot connect with a health care provider within 24 hours of receiving a positive test result. More details on how to make an appointment are available online.
HEALTH CAREERS GRANTS: The Department of Health Care Access and Information has awarded grants to 20 organizations to support and encourage students from underrepresented regions and backgrounds to pursue health care careers through the Health Professions Pathways Program. The award will support 32,800 participants in 30 countries through outreach, mentoring, support, paid summer internships, and one-year post graduate fellowships. Local recipients include Rady Children’s Hospital and Palomar Health Foundation.
