Statement from The Department of Health Care Services on the Federal Use of Medi-Cal Data and Member Privacy
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released an important statement in response to reports that federal agencies may have accessed personal Medi-Cal data, potentially compromising the privacy of 15 million Californians.
As a statewide network committed to health equity, CACHI echoes DHCS’s concerns and reiterates: Trust between communities and health systems is already fragile, especially for immigrants, low-income families, and those harmed by past surveillance or exclusion.
The Accountable Communities for Health (ACHs) in our network—alongside other community-based health collaboratives—exist, in no small part, to rebuild and protect that trust. They are the frontlines of health services outreach, access, and accountability.
On behalf of CACHI and the ACH network, we support DHCS’s commitment to transparency, privacy, and ensuring that all Californians, regardless of immigration status, can access care safely, privately, and without fear. We also thank DHCS for their efforts to understand the situation and keep our sector and affected communities informed.
Californians deserve safety and care, not surveillance.
- CACHI
Statement from The Department of Health Care Services
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is firmly committed to protecting the privacy and well-being of all Medi-Cal members. Recent reports have raised serious concerns about how federal agencies may be using Medicaid data, including the personal data of all 15 million Californians covered by Medi-Cal. We want to clarify what we know and the actions we are taking.
We are aware of reports that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may have shared the personal data of Medi-Cal members with the Department of Homeland Security. Upon learning of these reports, DHCS reached out to CMS requesting information to confirm whether this occurred and on exactly what data was shared, to which agencies, and why. DHCS has not received confirmation that such sharing occurred, nor do we know what data may have been involved or for what purpose. We are actively seeking answers from our federal partners.
As required by federal law, DHCS submits monthly reports to CMS through the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS). These reports include demographic and eligibility information, such as name, address, date of birth, Medicaid ID, Social Security number (if provided), and broad immigration status, for every Medi-Cal member. Data submitted to CMS, including through T-MSIS, is considered sensitive and confidential. CMS is legally required to protect the confidentiality and security of Medicaid data.
In addition, last month, DHCS responded to a federal data request to demonstrate that federal Medicaid funds were claimed only as permitted and allowable by federal rules. To be clear: DHCS has not provided CMS with any additional or new demographic information beyond what is routinely reported.
We take any potential misuse of Medi-Cal data seriously and are deeply concerned about the possibility of information being used outside the scope of the Medicaid program administration. Any such disclosure would be unprecedented and a grave betrayal of public trust. This is concerning for all Californians covered by Medi-Cal, and especially concerning for our immigrant and American mixed-status families. DHCS is working closely with state leaders, legal experts, and community organizations to understand the situation, provide accurate information, and support affected communities.
For individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) or others seeking support:
The California Department of Social Services' Immigration Services Bureau offers a list of qualified nonprofits that serve individuals with UIS.
Additional resources, including information about legal assistance and mental health resources, are available on the Immigration and California Families webpage.
Contact your local embassy or consulate for legal assistance or guidance.
We are committed to transparency, privacy, and ensuring that all Californians, regardless of immigration status, feel safe accessing the care they need. We will continue to engage with community partners, share updates, and defend the rights and privacy of all Medi-Cal members.