Welcome to the California Health and Human Services Agency

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) oversees thirteen departments and one board that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment services, income assistance and public health services to Californians from all walks of life. More than 33,000 people work for departments in CHHS at state headquarters in Sacramento, regional offices throughout the state and residential facilities serving individuals with mental illness and people with developmental disabilities. CHHS’ receives more than $24.95 billion from the state’s General Fund, second only to education. The Agency’s total budget – including federal funds and special funds – is approximately $83 billion.

Major programs include no-cost and low-cost health care coverage for low-income Californians (Medi-Cal); income support for the aged, blind or disabled (SSI/SSP); income support for CalWORKs recipients, low-cost public health insurance (Healthy Families) for children from working families. Other large programs administered by CHHS departments include food stamps, child welfare services, in-home supportive services, support for the developmentally disabled, foster care, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. CHHS directly serves millions of Californians in health and human service programs, while touching the lives of all Californians through statewide efforts such as public health protection and emergency preparedness and response.

The Secretary of CHHS oversees employees in the twelve departments and also directly manages a team of fiscal and program experts who advise the Departments on budget, policy, legal and external affairs issues. Agency officials are responsible for coordinating with other state agencies, the legislature and the Office of the Governor. Additionally the Agency oversees cross-departmental initiatives, including those dealing with child welfare and quality of care issues for California’s aging population. Agency officials sit on a variety of boards and commissions, including the First 5 Commission, the Olmstead Advisory Committee, the Child Welfare Council and the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, which oversees the Healthy Families program.