California health desk
Original, plain-English reporting based on primary sources. We explain what changed, what it may mean, and where to verify the details.
Treatment updates
Stanford Medicine reports that its developing SNT approach uses scalp-delivered magnetic pulses and showed remission results in a small five-day depression trial of 14 participants.
September 24, 2026 · Source: Stanford Medicine
Read the updateLatest reporting
September 24, 2026
California Assembly Bill 1429 would require reimbursement in specified cases when enrollees could not obtain timely behavioral health care through the plan.
Primary source: California State Legislature
September 24, 2026
KFF Health News reports that California’s behavioral health workforce shortage has worsened, affecting rural communities and increasing workloads for providers.
Primary source: KFF Health News
September 24, 2026
DHCS says BH-CONNECT combines a five-year Medicaid demonstration, coverage expansions and statewide policies to strengthen community-based behavioral health services.
Primary source: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
September 24, 2026
NHeLP says its fact sheet examines Medi-Cal coverage of TMS and recommends DHCS enforce coverage and access to the mental health benefit for patients.
Primary source: National Health Law Program (NHeLP)
September 24, 2026
Medi-Cal says TMS codes 90867, 90868 and 90869 became covered benefits for services on or after August 1, 2024, with authorization and age criteria.
Primary source: Medi-Cal (California Department of Health Care Services)
News tells you what changed. These guides explain how TMS works, what it costs and how to get approved.