California Department of Public Health (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of the California Department of Public Health? ›

Protecting the Health of All Californians. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Under the CDC's emergency use authorization (EUA), patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, are eligible for Paxlovid.

It was formerly known as the California Department of Health Services, which was reorganized in 2007 into the DHCS and the California Department of Public Health.

Tomás J.

Tomás Aragón serves as the director of the California Department of Public Health and the State Public Health Officer, since January 4, 2021.

DHCS is the single state agency responsible for financing and administering the state's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, which provides health care services to low-income persons and families who meet defined eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is authorized and funded through a federal-state partnership.

The California Health and Human Services Agency oversees departments and offices that provide a wide range of services in the areas of health care, mental health, public health, alcohol and drug treatment, income assistance, social services and assistance to people with disabilities.

U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program Operated by Pfizer. Through December 31, 2024, individuals covered under federal programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, and uninsured patients are eligible for the USG Patient Assistance Program (PAP) operated by Pfizer and can receive Paxlovid at no cost.

The most common side effects of taking Paxlovid include impaired sense of taste (for example, a metallic taste in the mouth) and diarrhea, according to the FDA. Most people who take Paxlovid should not experience serious side effects, explains Dr. Roberts. “Paxlovid is usually very well-tolerated,” he says.

The average cost of Paxlovid for a 5-day treatment course is $1561.00. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Paxlovid. If you have commercial insurance, a manufacturer copay card can help lower your costs. Paxlovid may cost as little as $0 when using this savings card.

Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family. All of the health plans offered through Covered California or by Medi-Cal include the same comprehensive set of benefits known as "essential health benefits.”

What is HRSA in California? ›

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides equitable health care to the nation's highest-need communities. Our programs support people with low incomes, people with HIV, pregnant people, children, parents, rural communities, transplant patients, and the health workforce.

California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in collaboration with your county public health office oversees a variety of research, response and prevention programs to protect your health.

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) is governed by statutes (state laws) that were passed by the California Legislature. Those statutes give DSH the authority to promulgate regulations.

The doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers, public health professionals and staff of CDPH's more than 200 programs display their dedication to public service through our core values: collaboration, competence, equity, integrity, respect, responsibility, trust and vision.

Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases.

The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.

Local health departments work with healthcare and community partners to prevent and target the cause of disease outbreaks, and then determine the appropriate response. Prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.

Core Values: Service, Accountability and Innovation.