By law the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is responsible to provide full-scope early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries under the age of 21. These services are covered without cost.

California refers to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit as Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens.

In 2019, the California State Auditor released a report highlighting the low rates of children’s preventive health services in Medi-Cal. A follow-up audit in 2022 underscored that millions of Medi-Cal-enrolled children are still not receiving preventive services. In response, DHCS committed to developing a standardized provider training on Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens.

Attention: Network providers, subcontractors, and downstream subcontractors serving children under age 21 must complete the Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens Training. 

CenCal Health, as a licensed health care services plan, is mandated by DHCS and the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure providers and delegated entities are meeting the unique and diverse needs of all members.

Please continue to the next section for network provider training resources, and acknowledgement/attestation requirements.  Providers may also reference All Plan Letter 23-005 for additional information related to training requirements.