DHCS Issues Details on Proposal to Sunset CHDP Program

This week, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released additional details regarding its proposal to sunset the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program, as set forth in the Governor’s January Budget. DHCS proposes to sunset the CHDP Program by July 1, 2023, to simplify and streamline the delivery of services to children and youth under age 21.

The CHDP Program provides screening and follow-up services, care coordination, presumptive eligibility, and coordination of the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP) Program. DHCS’ proposal to sunset CHDP will not impact EPSDT services as currently required under Medi-Cal fee for service (FFS) and managed care delivery systems.

DHCS further notes that presumptive eligibility will continue under a new Children’s Presumptive Eligibility Program that expands to include all applicable Medi-Cal providers and permits more providers to make presumptive eligibility determinations. DHCS additionally proposes to preserve the HCPCFC as a standalone program and transition the CLPP program responsibilities to Medi-Cal managed care plans.

Recall, this proposal must be considered any acted upon by the Legislature. CHEAC, in submissions to appropriate budget subcommittees, expressed opposition to the sunset of the CHDP program out of concerns with impacts to children and local program operations.

Additional information from DHCS is available here.