National Health Law Program (NHeLP)

National Health Law Program (NHeLP) Securing Health Rights for Those in Need. Learn more at www.healthlaw.org.

Founded in 1969, the National Health Law Program protects and advances the health rights of low income and underserved individuals. The oldest non-profit of its kind, NHeLP advocates, educates and litigates at the federal and state level.

Designed for legal aid attorneys, health advocates, and community stakeholders, the Medi-Cal Services Guide for 2025 and...
05/14/2026

Designed for legal aid attorneys, health advocates, and community stakeholders, the Medi-Cal Services Guide for 2025 and 2026, is a comprehensive resource that helps readers navigate complex Medi-Cal policies and protect the health rights of California communities. By Fabiola De Liban, Amy Chen, Abigail Coursolle, Alicia Emanuel, Héctor Hernández-Delgado, T. Nancy Lam, Kimberly Lewis, Jules Lutaba, Carly Myers, Alexis Robles-Fradet, Skyler Rosellini, Jasmine Young, and Elizabeth Zirker. https://healthlaw.org/resource/an-advocates-guide-to-medi-cal-services/

NHeLP submitted comments opposing Idaho's recent State Innovation (Section 1332) waiver application, which would establi...
05/14/2026

NHeLP submitted comments opposing Idaho's recent State Innovation (Section 1332) waiver application, which would establish a program allowing certain Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in a more costly, less-comprehensive private Marketplace plan. The proposed waiver is inconsistent with the Affordable Care Act and presents a significant risk of harm to Idahoans who are eligible for Medicaid. By Geraldine Doetzer, Wayne Turner, and Shandra Hartly https://healthlaw.org/resource/nhelp-comments-on-idaho-1332-waiver-application/

As states increasingly rely on automation and AI to implement OBBBA’s Medicaid work requirements, safeguards are critica...
05/14/2026

As states increasingly rely on automation and AI to implement OBBBA’s Medicaid work requirements, safeguards are critical. Rapid system changes can automate errors that wrongly deny or terminate coverage. Advocates can push for strong testing protocols, stakeholder “sandbox” environments, ongoing monitoring, and public transparency around known system issues to help protect Medicaid enrollees from harm. By Elizabeth Edwards https://healthlaw.org/timely-tips-to-safeguard-medicaid/

Beginning July 1, 2026, California is expected to cut full-scope Medi-Cal dental coverage for an estimated 2 million imm...
05/13/2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, California is expected to cut full-scope Medi-Cal dental coverage for an estimated 2 million immigrants, limiting many adults to emergency-only care. Impacted enrollees will lose access to routine exams, preventive services, and specialty dental treatment. These harmful cuts will not only worsen oral health outcomes but also force many people to delay care until conditions become painful, costly emergencies or take on medical debt to get needed treatment. By Jules Lutaba https://healthlaw.org/cutting-medi-cal-dental-care-for-millions-of-immigrants-is-not-a-sound-policy/

Changes to Medicaid are coming. Do you know what they mean for your community? Join us May 14th in Raleigh for a free no...
05/13/2026

Changes to Medicaid are coming. Do you know what they mean for your community? Join us May 14th in Raleigh for a free non-partisan educational briefing with community leaders, researchers, legal experts, and healthcare providers. Seats are limited. RSVP: https://forms.gle/KBGJ4kjQxe9BMpAs9

Recently updated chapters of the Medi-Cal Services Guide for 2025 and 2026 highlight major policy changes under Californ...
05/13/2026

Recently updated chapters of the Medi-Cal Services Guide for 2025 and 2026 highlight major policy changes under California’s CalAIM initiative, including expanded guidance on Care Coordination and Community Supports. The guide also reflects the evolving behavioral health landscape with updated information on the BH-CONNECT program and other critical reforms shaping Medi-Cal services statewide. By Fabiola De Liban, Amy Chen, Abigail Coursolle, Alicia Emanuel, Héctor Hernández-Delgado, T. Nancy Lam, Kimberly Lewis, Jules Lutaba, Carly Myers, Alexis Robles-Fradet, Skyler Rosellini, Jasmine Young, and Elizabeth Zirker. https://healthlaw.org/resource/an-advocates-guide-to-medi-cal-services/

As states rush to implement OBBBA’s harmful Medicaid work requirements by January 2027, CMS must issue clear guidance by...
05/12/2026

As states rush to implement OBBBA’s harmful Medicaid work requirements by January 2027, CMS must issue clear guidance by June 2026. States can reduce coverage losses by creating accessible compliance pathways, maximizing self-attestation, and recognizing activities without a digital footprint, including community service and education programs. By Skyler Rosellini https://healthlaw.org/timely-tips-to-safeguard-medicaid/

California advocates and attorneys: NHeLP’s Medi-Cal Services Guide is an essential resource for understanding and defen...
05/12/2026

California advocates and attorneys: NHeLP’s Medi-Cal Services Guide is an essential resource for understanding and defending access to health care for low-income Californians. The guide provides detailed analysis of key Medi-Cal covered services, including prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, reproductive and sexual health care, gender-affirming services, and more. By Fabiola De Liban, Amy Chen, Abigail Coursolle, Alicia Emanuel, Héctor Hernández-Delgado, T. Nancy Lam, Kimberly Lewis, Jules Lutaba, Carly Myers, Alexis Robles-Fradet, Skyler Rosellini, Jasmine Young, and Elizabeth Zirker. https://healthlaw.org/resource/an-advocates-guide-to-medi-cal-services/

New federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect January 1, 2027, threaten coverage for millions enrolled in the adu...
05/11/2026

New federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect January 1, 2027, threaten coverage for millions enrolled in the adult Medicaid expansion program. This legal brief provides health law advocates and attorneys with practical recommendations for prioritizing data collection and tracking key metrics to document coverage losses, identify harmful impacts, and support system changes that protect access to care. By David Machledt and Skyler Rosellini https://healthlaw.org/resource/recommendations-for-state-reporting-of-work-requirement-outcomes-dos-and-donts/

NHeLP in the news! The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. affirmed the right of people with disabilities ...
05/11/2026

NHeLP in the news! The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. affirmed the right of people with disabilities to receive services in their communities — a major civil rights victory that helped move care away from institutionalization. “Now the states’ lawsuit seeks to upend all of that,” said M. Geron Gadd of the National Health Law Program. Gadd warned that states are increasingly challenging the foundations of disability rights law itself, adding: “States seem to be much more offended by having to conform their programs and services to basic requirements of disability law.” https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/08/repub/how-a-legal-challenge-over-gender-dysphoria-became-a-fight-for-disability-rights/

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