December 15, 2025
Program Updates
Medi-Cal Data Privacy and Federal Use: UPDATE
DHCS remains firmly
committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members. A federal court has extended a preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from using California's Medi-Cal data for immigration enforcement through January 5, 2026, pending further legal review. California is leading the
multistate lawsuit that brought about this injunction. For individuals concerned about data use and immigration enforcement, resources and legal support are available through the
California Department of Social Services and other
qualified organizations. DHCS will continue to share updates and work with community partners to safeguard the rights and privacy of all Medi-Cal members. DHCS considers any unauthorized use of Medi-Cal data a serious breach of trust and is actively monitoring the situation.
New Online Training to Support SUD Counselors
On January 12, 2026, DHCS, in partnership with the University of California San Diego Division of Extended Studies, will launch the Advancing SUD Counselor Education and Development (ASCEND) Program, a free, self-paced, 80-hour online training for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors. The program was developed with the University of California San Diego Division of Extended Studies and the Assembly Bill 2473 Stakeholder Advisory Group as part of DHCS' ongoing efforts to strengthen the SUD workforce. The training is designed to be completed on your own schedule and features instruction from experienced professionals. The curriculum covers 12 core competencies required for counselor certification. For more information and to view a video about ASCEND, visit the
DHCS YouTube channel. Registration is available on the University of California San Diego Division of Extended Studies
website.
Join Our Team
DHCS is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as:
- Chief, Financial Management Division: The Chief develops policies and procedures to ensure the fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability of approximately $202 billion in annual state and federal funding for DHCS. The Chief is also responsible for accounting; budget development, enactment, and administration; and financial reporting. Applications must be submitted by December 26.
DHCS is also hiring for its Accounting, Behavioral Health, Office of Strategic Partnerships, and other teams. For more information, please visit the
CalCareers website.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars
DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on the DHCS
Calendar of Events. DHCS provides free assistive services, including language interpretation, real-time captioning, and alternate formatting of meeting materials. To request services, please email DHCS at the appropriate contact email address at least ten working days before the meeting.
Coverage Ambassadors Webinar
On January 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS will host a
Coverage Ambassador webinar (advance registration required). Coverage Ambassadors are trusted messengers who help raise awareness about Medi-Cal benefits, enrollment opportunities, and new initiatives aimed at building a healthier California for all. Please visit the
Coverage Ambassador website for more information, including how to
subscribe to receive regular updates, newsletters, and webinar reminders.
In Case You Missed It
Assisted Living Waiver Amendment Application: Public Comment Period
On November 24, DHCS posted a draft amendment to the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) for a 30-day public comment period, prior to submitting the final version to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for reauthorization. This amendment applies to the current waiver term through February 28, 2029. The ALW provides personal care, homemaker services, and health aid support in community settings, and reduces reliance on institutional care by supporting individuals in more independent environments. The goal of the amendment is to clarify guidance and expectations for the provision of residential habilitation, care coordination services through telehealth, and medication management. The ALW amendment application and comment instructions are posted on the DHCS ALW webpage. All comments must be received by December 24 at 11:59 p.m. PST. If you have any questions, please email ALWP.IR@dhcs.ca.gov.
