On May 11, 2026, California submitted a request to renew the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) section 1115 Medicaid demonstration for five years with certain modifications. The request seeks authority for two new programs—Employment Services which would provide pre-employment and employment sustaining services to certain beneficiaries and the Bridge Care Pilot which would provide a set of home and community-based services to older adults with Medicare who have significant needs and incomes above Medicaid eligibility limits. The state requests continuing reentry services; services provided to beneficiaries with a substance use disorder; contingency management; traditional health care practices; coverage for out-of-state former foster care youth; the Global Payment Program; and other waiver and expenditure authorities. The federal public comment period will be open from May 27, 2026 through June 26, 2026.
