CalOptima Health, an Orange-based agency, announced an investment of up to $10.1 million dedicated to outreach and enrollment assistance for Orange County residents. This initiative is designed to help individuals maintain their Medi-Cal coverage as new eligibility requirements are set to take effect in January 2027. The agency states its goal is to proactively prevent coverage losses for residents ahead of these upcoming rule changes.
Known as the “Keep Your Medi-Cal, OC” initiative, these efforts include two distinct funding allocations. A significant component is a newly approved $6.1 million specifically allocated for a three-month program. This program is structured to train and certify local organizations, enabling them to provide direct assistance to residents navigating the complexities of the Medi-Cal system. The focus on capacity building within community support networks aims to ensure effective, localized help is available.
The second part of this investment includes a commitment of up to $4 million for a two-year pilot program. This program is structured to provide grants to a maximum of four organizations. These selected organizations will be tasked with offering individualized assistance, catering to specific needs of residents seeking to secure or maintain their Medi-Cal benefits. This pilot aims to address more complex cases and provide personalized guidance to those who require it.
These newly announced investments are part of a broader, sustained financial commitment by CalOptima Health. The agency has designated these funds as components of its Community Reinvestment Program, which represents a total commitment of $19 million. This overarching program is dedicated to expanding Medi-Cal eligibility outreach and support services across Orange County, with planned efforts extending through the year 2028. This long-term strategy underscores an ongoing focus on ensuring access to healthcare coverage for eligible residents.
Prior to these latest allocations, CalOptima Health had already initiated significant support for similar objectives. The agency previously committed $7.1 million to fourteen different community organizations. These organizations have been actively engaged in providing essential enrollment and renewal support, demonstrating a continuous effort to assist residents with their Medi-Cal needs well before the announcement of the “Keep Your Medi-Cal, OC” initiative.
Together, these financial commitments underscore CalOptima Health's proactive stance in preparing Orange County residents for the changes anticipated with the 2027 eligibility rules. The combined strategy of training community organizations, funding individualized assistance programs, and sustained long-term outreach aims to minimize disruptions in healthcare access for thousands of local residents. The Orange-based agency continues its work to support the community through these critical transitions, ensuring residents have the resources needed to understand and maintain their coverage.
