DHCS says BH-CONNECT combines a five-year Medicaid demonstration, coverage expansions and statewide policies to strengthen community-based behavioral health services.
BH-CONNECT overview
The California Department of Health Care Services says the BH-CONNECT initiative is designed to increase access to and strengthen the continuum of community-based behavioral health services for Medi-Cal members with significant behavioral health needs. According to DHCS, the initiative combines a new five-year Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration, State Plan Amendments, and complementary statewide guidance and policies.
Coverage and service changes
DHCS says the State Plan Amendments within BH-CONNECT are intended to expand Medi-Cal coverage of evidence-based practices. The department says the initiative’s guidance and policies are intended to strengthen behavioral health services statewide, alongside the Medicaid demonstration and coverage changes.
DHCS also says BH-CONNECT strengthens family-based services for children and youth. The source does not identify specific services or explain how individual Medi-Cal members may access them.
Incentives and workforce support
According to DHCS, BH-CONNECT includes a $1.9 billion Access, Reform and Outcomes Incentive Program. DHCS says the program is intended to reward behavioral health plans for demonstrating improvements in access and outcomes.
DHCS further says the initiative includes workforce programs, including scholarships, loan repayment, and support for training programs. The department describes these workforce elements as part of the broader effort to strengthen behavioral health services.
Federal approval timeline
DHCS says the Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. According to DHCS, the demonstration took effect January 1, 2025, and is scheduled to expire December 31, 2029.
DHCS describes BH-CONNECT as a five-year demonstration, with coverage expansions and statewide policies also forming part of the overall initiative. The source does not state whether every element will be available in the same way across all areas or to all Medi-Cal members.
What this means for California patients
For people looking for treatment locally, BH-CONNECT may be relevant to Medi-Cal behavioral health access and service coverage. The directory lists 382 published clinics in California; patients can use local listings to identify treatment options and ask providers or health plans about coverage and availability.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More California reporting on access & coverage.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.