Investing in Accessible Care with EPT Payments

Equity and Practice Transformation (EPT) Provider Directed Payments (PDPs) are bringing new opportunities for health centers to strengthen care and expand their impact in Medi-Cal. The EPT program was developed by the Department of Health Care Services in partnership with health plans and provider associations – including CPCA – who championed the need for investments in health outcomes and delivery system transformation. The Population Health Learning Center serves as the program office, supporting implementation and equipping providers with the tools and guidance needed to succeed.

As part of this work, CPCA serves as a practice track facilitator for two tracks made up primarily of community health centers. In this role, CPCA convenes practices to provide training, technical assistance, and peer-learning opportunities that help health centers adopt and sustain practice changes aligned with EPT’s goals.

Together with the Association’s leadership in the Population Health Management Initiative and our future role in the Health Center Controlled Network, EPT further supports CPCA’s efforts to build statewide infrastructure that advances value-based care through data-driven, team-based, and outcome-focused practice transformation.

Participating practices are eligible for payments as they achieve program milestones. These payments reward efforts that improve access and outcomes, particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers to care. For Federally Qualified Health Centers, this means resources can be reinvested into workforce development, team-based and comprehensive care, behavioral health integration, and infrastructure improvements. Unfortunately, future cohorts of EPT after 2026 are not currently planned due to the constrained State fiscal forecast.

Ultimately, EPT PDPs enhance the value-based care capacity of health centers and strengthen their financial stability through value-based payment models. The program reflects the leadership and advocacy that made this program possible, helping health centers continue to innovate, grow and deliver on the promise of high-quality, accessible care for all.