Program updates
Assisted Living Waiver rules, rates and benefit amounts change a few times a year. Each item below says what changed, when it took effect, who it affects and what to do. Newest first. Each item is a summary; the state's own notice or policy letter controls.
DHCS to the Senate, August 12, 2026: 17,886 waiting, 14,495 enrolled; 11 to 12 months from an institution, 3 to 4 with an APS or Ombudsman referral.
For: Applicants and families · Professional referrers · Facilities
DHCS's file shows 14,831 enrolled and 15,910 on the waitlist in March 2026. The waitlist fell from 20,262 in February, the first drop since May 2025.
For: Applicants and families · Professional referrers · Facilities
DHCS's letter of September 25, 2026 clarifies how ALW claims are submitted and paid. It changes nothing for participants and families.
For: Care Coordination Agencies · Assisted-living facilities and home health agencies that bill ALW
DHCS's file shows 14,809 people enrolled and 20,262 on the waitlist in February 2026. A dated note adds March 2026 from DHCS's July 2026 file.
For: Applicants and families · Professional referrers · Facilities
DHCS's June 22, 2026 letter limits Ombudsman referrals to the ALW waitlist to people in a nursing facility who meet its criteria.
For: Care Coordination Agencies · Ombudsman programs and professional referrers · Applicants whose urgent need an Ombudsman has documented
A temporary rule change for ALW applicants and participants affected by the Orange County chemical-spill emergency runs from May 21, 2026 to May 21, 2027.
For: Families and applicants in Orange County · Care Coordination Agencies · Assisted-living facilities
DHCS published the 2026 maximum payable rates for ALW services. They are paid to providers. Residents still pay room and board themselves.
For: Assisted-living facilities and other ALW providers · Care Coordination Agencies · Professionals
From January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal counts assets again for people 65 or older, with a disability or needing long-term care. Limits fall on July 1, 2027.
For: Applicants and families · Benefits professionals
The 2026 SSI/SSP amount for someone in a licensed care home is $1,626.07 a month. You pay the home up to $1,444.07 and keep at least $182.00.
For: Residents paying room and board from SSI/SSP · Families · Facilities and benefits staff
