CalOptima Health's Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Round 5 Capital Grant Opportunity is now open. This funding opportunity supports the development or enhancement of permanent, affordable housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Orange County.

• Application period runs from Monday, November 3 to Friday, December 19
• Interested organizations are encouraged to join the Bidder's Conference on Tuesday, November 18, at 1 p.m. Click here for the Bidder's Conference Zoom link.
• Click here to learn more about the grant opportunity and to apply.

For questions, contact communitygrants@caloptima.org.

Visit our website to learn more and apply.

The CalOptima Health Member and Population Health Needs Assessment (MPHNA) is now live. A selected group of 25,000 members will be mailed a letter with survey instructions, including an option to receive a gift card for completing the survey. The survey is anticipated to close the first week of December. This online survey is a key part of our strategy to better understand the health needs, lived experiences and priorities of our members. Insights and results will shape future planning, program development and community investments, ensuring our commitment to improving health care access and outcomes. CalOptima Health members will receive communications via mail from the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) at Cal State Fullerton on behalf of CalOptima Health. Additionally, 1,000 member survey postcards will be distributed through our community events and our Street Medicine program. For questions, contact the survey helpline at 657-278-9494

CalOptima Health continues to prepare for the launch of a Covered California line of business, effective January 1, 2027. Following the Board’s approval on June 5, staff submitted an initial filing on June 16 to the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) to expand the scope of CalOptima Health’s current Knox-Keene Act license, which is required to offer a commercial insurance product. Since then, we have engaged with DMHC on two rounds of comments and are submitting our second filing, including provider network rosters, on October 31. Staff continue to collaborate with our provider network and execute amendments with several existing vendors to include Covered California in their scopes of service. In addition, operational workstreams are actively addressing program solutions to achieve operational readiness during the next year. Our teams are also currently reviewing and developing strategies to respond to the 2027 Qualified Health Plan application in April 2026 (pending Board approval) and have engaged with Covered California’s Plan Management Advisory Group to maintain alignment. Finally, staff are actively monitoring regulatory and policy impacts on the Marketplace landscape in California as a result of H.R. 1 to best understand risks to CalOptima Health’s members as well as projected enrollment in 2027. 

Through an RFP, CalOptima Health has selected a convener to lead the Orange County Workforce Development Collaborative, a five-year initiative to address critical health care workforce shortages. The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) will be responsible for coordinating cross-sector stakeholders and developing a strategic plan that strengthens the Medi-Cal-serving workforce. CalOptima Health is in the process of contracting with OCDE, with implementation to begin in mid-November. This initiative represents a major step toward building a sustainable, community-driven workforce pipeline. 

• On October 8, CalOptima Health distributed a press release about the Board-approved $19.8 million investment to expand outreach efforts during the upcoming period of significant Medi-Cal changes. The funds will drive a multifaceted campaign to raise awareness about the changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility requirements through December 31, 2028. On October 27, the Orange County Register ran a front-page article highlighting this effort to help members keep their coverage.
• On October 23, CalOptima Health and Wellness & Prevention Center issued a joint release about the grand opening of allcove San Juan Capistrano, an innovative center providing mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12–25. CalOptima Health contributed $2.7 million to support allcove’s opening and operations.
• On October 29, CalOptima Health distributed a press release announcing Providence as our 10th health network. Effective November 1, the partnership will provide enhanced care coordination and comprehensive health and wellness services for more than 13,000 Medi-Cal members as they move into the new network. 

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Orange County is bracing for a delay in November’s CalFresh benefits, which more than 310,000 low-income residents use to buy food. To keep our community informed, CalOptima Health shared the news on our website and social media, sent an email alert to providers and community stakeholders, and provided talking points to staff. CalFresh recipients with questions are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit 211oc.org to be connected to food, housing and utility resources. November benefits are anticipated to be retroactively issued when the shutdown is resolved. In a press release distributed by the County of Orange Social Services Agency, Director An Tran said: “The Social Services Agency issues, on average, $62 million a month in CalFresh benefits. This will not only have an impact on the families and individuals receiving benefits, but also on the local economy. For every dollar of benefit spent at local retailers accepting EBT, up to $1.50 is generated.”

Supervisor Doug Chaffee is hosting his annual Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Food Distribution event on November 22. Attendees will receive a grocery card and a box of fruits and vegetables to help prepare their Thanksgiving meal.

When: Saturday, November 22

Time: 9 a.m.–Noon

Location: Fullerton Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd., Fullerton

Registration is encouraged, click here to register. Food Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

See flyer for additional event details. For more information, visit the website or call 714-834-3440

Families Together is hosting a special toy distribution event on December 20. Attendees will enjoy a day of festivities, entertainment and holiday cheer.

When: Saturday, December 20

Time: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Location: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim

Registration is required, click here.

All participants must be Orange County residents and limited to one toy per household. To learn more, view flyers in English and Spanish.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for CalOptima Health OneCare (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Medi-Cal Plan, runs through December 7. To be eligible for OneCare a member must be:

• Age 21 and older
• Living in Orange County
• Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
• Receiving Medi-Cal benefits

Starting in 2026, the OneCare Flex Plus plan will be consolidated into the OneCare Complete plan due to changes in the federal Medicare program. All existing OneCare Flex Plus members will be transitioned into OneCare Complete.

• CalOptima Health OneCare Complete — Our original plan offers $0 copays on medical and hospital services and generic prescription drugs. It includes many extras, such as a fitness benefit, comprehensive dental, more vision care, a flex card for over-the-counter (OTC) items and for those who qualify, food and produce.

As an Exclusively Aligned Enrollment D-SNP, OneCare can accept enrollment from members every month due to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for dual-eligibles.

Our 2026 OneCare advertising effort extends the success of last year’s “Built Around You” campaign by using focus group feedback to refine and refresh the creative elements. In addition, we introduced a dedicated caregiver campaign, emphasizing the crucial role caregivers play in health care decisions for their loved ones. The campaign includes print, outdoor, television, streaming audio, online display, social media and paid search ads.

Individuals who are covered by both Medi-Cal and Medicare could qualify for CalOptima Health OneCare (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Medi-Cal Plan. Learn more about this special plan at our upcoming in-person presentations: 

Superior Grocers | 1710 S. Main St., Santa Ana

• Thursday, November 6, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 11, 10 a.m.
• Thursday, November 13, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 18, 10 a.m.
• Thursday, November 20, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 25, 10 a.m.

Abrazar, Inc. Community Services & Education Center | 14900 Park Lane, Midway City

• Wednesday, November 5, 9 a.m.

Presentations are only offered in English, and light snacks will be served. To learn more, view event flyers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.  

CalOptima Health OneCare (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Medi-Cal Plan, now offers members a flex card (OneCare &more card) to purchase over-the-counter items (and in some cases, groceries) in-store and online. Additionally, the health rewards members have been able to earn in the form of a physical gift card in previous years are now added to the flex card instead. Members can earn rewards by completing certain health care tests or screenings and submitting an online form on this page.

To use the flex card, a member must first activate the card by texting ACTIVATE to 53746, calling 1-855-263-6673 (TTY 711), or visiting andmorehealth.com/onecare. Many members have not yet activated their cards and are missing out on the benefits. If members need help, please encourage them to call OneCare Customer Service at 1-877-412-2734 (TTY 711).