Health & human services

Director, Health Care Services

Runs Medi-Cal, the state's largest health program. The Director of the California Department of Health Care Services leads the state's primary department responsible for financing and administering health care services to low-income and vulnerable Californians, including the Medi-Cal program serving millions of beneficiaries. The Director oversees a large workforce and multi-billion dollar budget, coordinating with federal agencies, counties, health plans, and providers to ensure access to quality care. This role sets departmental policy, manages federal waiver negotiations, and drives initiatives around behavioral health integration and health equity. Candidates typically bring extensive backgrounds in public health administration, health policy, or government leadership.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $225,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute. DHCS is under the control of a director appointed by the Governor subject to Senate confirmation (Welf. & Inst. Code div. 9, pt. 2, ch. 2 -- section number not read directly; the Governor's 9.10.21 release states the position requires Senate confirmation).

Partially verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/01/30/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-1-30-20/; https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/09/10/governor-newsom-announces-california-health-and-human-services-agency-appointments/; Statute research 2026-10-20: Welf. & Inst. Code secs. 10720-10728 (verify exact section); https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/09/10/governor-newsom-announces-california-health-and-human-services-agency-appointments/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Department of Health Care Services role, including deputies and other seats.

Director of the California Department of Health Care Services

California Department of Health Care Services

Health & Human ServicesAgency Head$225,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Health and Human ServicesPolicy and Analysis

The Director of the California Department of Health Care Services leads the state's primary department responsible for financing and administering health care services to low-income and vulnerable Californians, including the Medi-Cal program serving millions of beneficiaries. The Director oversees a large workforce and multi-billion dollar budget, coordinating with federal agencies, counties, health plans, and providers to ensure access to quality care. This role sets departmental policy, manages federal waiver negotiations, and drives initiatives around behavioral health integration and health equity. Candidates typically bring extensive backgrounds in public health administration, health policy, or government leadership.

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