Family Voices of California Newsletter

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In this issue:

✨ Family Voices of CA in Sacramento
🏛️ Policy, Budget & Advocacy Updates
📝 Medi-Cal & Medicaid Matters
🗣️ Family Feedback Opportunities
📅 Upcoming Trainings, Workshops & Webinars
🌤️ Resources for Families

Family Voices of California in Sacramento:
CDLA Day of Action at the Capitol

Family Voices of California Participates in CDLA Day of Action

On Tuesday, May 26, Family Voices of California joined the California Disability Leadership Alliance Day of Action at the State Capitol in Sacramento, after being invited by our partners at Disability Rights California. More than 500 people came together to advocate for the rights, dignity, and support of people with disabilities across California.

Family Voices of California was proud to bring 10 families from across the state to participate in this powerful day of advocacy. While much of the day focused on the broader disability community, including many adult self-advocates, Family Voices of California helped ensure that the experiences of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs — and the families who care for them — were also represented.

Throughout the day, Family Voices tabled at the resource fair, connected with families and community partners, joined the march to the Capitol, and helped lead legislative visits. Margarita Spataro, Program Manager, also shared her family’s story during the rally, speaking about the critical role Medi-Cal and IHSS play in helping her daughter and family remain safe, supported, and connected to community.

It was a meaningful day of visibility, advocacy, and collective action. Family Voices of California is grateful to Disability Rights California and our partners across the state for creating space for families to be part of this important advocacy effort. We are proud to stand alongside the broader disability community while continuing to lift up the services and supports that children with disabilities and special health care needs depend on.

Policy, Budget & Advocacy Updates

Watch the Recording: Undivided Presents: California Legislative & Budget Update
Proposed budget decisions and policy changes could affect services, funding, and supports for people with disabilities and their families. In this recorded session, Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), provides a clear update on what is happening in California and what it may mean for individuals, families, and advocates.

Watch the recording to stay informed and better understand how these changes could impact your family and community.

 Medi-Cal & Medicaid Matters

Important updates and tips to help families understand and use their health coverage.

Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes Beginning July 1, 2026
The California Department of Health Care Services has shared information about upcoming changes to Medi-Cal dental benefits.

Starting July 1, 2026, some adult Medi-Cal members age 19 and older may have coverage limited to emergency dental services only. This change applies to adults who do not qualify for federal full-scope Medi-Cal and is based on immigration status.

Full dental benefits will continue for members who are:

• Under age 19
• Pregnant or within one year after pregnancy ends
• Under age 26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday

DHCS says notices will be mailed to affected members beginning in April 2026. Families can contact Medi-Cal Dental with questions at (800) 322-6384.
🔗 Learn more about Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes

Family Feedback Opportunities 

Surveys are shared for informational purposes. Participation is optional.

Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council Meeting
On June 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. PDT, the California Department of Health Care Services will host the quarterly Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council meeting by public webinar.

The Voices and Vision Council brings together Medi-Cal members, Medi-Cal health plans, providers, community-based organizations, and state and county partners to provide direct input to DHCS leadership.

For more information, please visit the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council webpage or email VoicesandVisionCouncil@dhcs.ca.gov.

6th Annual There Should Be a Law Contest
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities invites you to participate in There Should Be a Law Contest.

If you ever had a problem and thought, "there should be a law to fix this!" 
Well, there is a solution—YOU! Send the problem and your solution to the California SCDD for a chance for your idea to be selected and become SCDD's next legislative priority!

🔗 Submit your idea online by June 30, 2026

Upcoming Trainings, Workshops & Webinars

**This communication is supported by private funding.