The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), in partnership with CenCal Health, is rolling out enhanced resources to strengthen access to preventive and comprehensive health services for children and adolescents across California. The effort reinforces the state’s commitment to early intervention and whole-child care through Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens, the program known federally as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT).
Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens provides full-scope health coverage for individuals under age 21, ensuring access to screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment at no cost to families. The program follows the nationally recognized Bright Futures guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which emphasize regular screenings and early detection as key to long-term health outcomes.
A Comprehensive Approach to Youth Health
The program includes a wide range of preventive and behavioral health services, such as:
- Blood lead screenings
- Developmental and autism screenings
- Depression and behavioral health screenings
- Dyadic services supporting caregiver-child relationships
- Vision, hearing, and oral health screenings
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma screenings
- Substance use screening, assessment, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SABIRT)
Health officials say these services are critical to identifying concerns early and connecting young patients to timely care, often before conditions become more serious.
Providers Play a Key Role
As part of the initiative, providers serving CenCal Health providers are being asked to take an active role in educating families about available benefits. This includes clearly communicating:
- The importance of preventive care and routine screenings
- The range of services available under Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens
- How and where to access care
- Services are available at no cost
- Free transportation and scheduling assistance is available
Providers are encouraged to share this information through multiple touchpoints, including in-person visits, phone conversations, and written materials such as member handbooks and coverage documents.
New 2026 Training Requirements to Support Outreach
To ensure consistent messaging and improve engagement, DHCS has introduced updated training resources. All provider groups, clinicians, and office staff who work with CenCal Health members under age 21 must complete Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens training and review provider resources every two years.
Following completion, organizations are required to submit an attestation confirming compliance with the training requirement.
By expanding provider tools and reinforcing outreach efforts, DHCS and CenCal Health aim to close gaps in preventive care and ensure children and teens receive the services they need to stay healthy.
For additional information or assistance with training and attestation requirements, providers can contact CenCal Health Provider Relations at psrgroup@cencalhealth.org or call 805-562-1676.