CalOptima Health is continuing to prepare to launch a Covered California plan, effective January 1, 2027. On April 16, Covered California approved the 2027 standard benefit package. Subsequently, staff submitted CalOptima Health’s formal application to Covered California on April 28 and the associated premium rate package on April 30. Staff will continue to remain engaged with Covered California’s Plan Management Advisory Group in advance of implementation. In addition, staff continues to respond to questions from the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) on our filing to expand the scope of CalOptima Health’s current Knox-Keene Act license. Staff also continues to make progress on operational implementation activities, including information technology solutions and regular onboarding sessions with delegated health networks. 

On April 22, CalOptima Health held a press conference to formally announce the launch of our Santa Ana Street Medicine Program. The event was well attended by the media, resulting in significant coverage in the following outlets: ABC7, NBC4, KCBS Radio, Telemundo 52, Orange County Register, KNX Radio, Fullerton Observer and New Santa Ana. The speakers included Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn, CalOptima Health Board Chair and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, CalOptima Health Board Director and AltaMed Chief Quality Officer Dr. José Mayorga, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua, and Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW, Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM. According to Santa Ana’s point-in-time count in 2025, approximately 500 people are unsheltered in the city. Read the press release here.

In other Street Medicine Program news, CalOptima Health is exploring expansion through a collaborative approach and has released a Notice of Interest Opportunity. This is designed for groups of cities that recognize the value of regional coordination and shared responsibility in addressing the complex needs of unsheltered individuals. The application portal can be accessed through May 29, 2026. 

Medi-Cal Dental Benefits Will Change as of July 1, 2026

DHCS, in partnership with Smile, California, is raising awareness about the Medi-Cal Dental benefit changes effective July 1, 2026. On that date, adult members aged 19 and older who currently receive full‑scope benefits, but do not meet federal immigration status requirements, will no longer receive full-scope dental benefits and will transition to emergency-only dental coverage. Some groups will still receive full dental benefits, even if they do not qualify for federally funded full‑scope Medi-Cal, including individuals under age 19, people who are pregnant, including one year postpartum, and former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. A DHCS FAQ offers more information. 

National Nurses Week shines a light on the incredible dedication and deep compassion our nurses show to our members. Nurses represent the heart and soul of the medical community, and the first face a member often sees. National Nurses Week is a reminder that the work nurses do every day deserves recognition, not just for a week, but all year long. A deep and heartfelt thank you to all our nurses who work across 16 departments, including Case Management, Utilization Review and PACE. 

CalOptima Health hosted the Third Annual CalAIM Provider & Grantee Summit on April 3, convening 210 contracted providers, grantees and organizational leaders for a comprehensive review of program progress and strategic priorities. The CalAIM Year in Review highlighted major 2025 achievements, including more than 32,000 members receiving Community Supports, continued expansion of Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services to more than 10,000 members, and significant advancements across Justice-Involved initiatives, Street Medicine and grantmaking, with approximately 260 grants under management totaling $300 million. The summit also featured a Member Success Stories segment showcasing real-world progress across diverse populations, including individuals with complex behavioral health needs, families facing housing instability, and a Justice-Involved member whose successful transition and stabilization highlighted the impact of coordinated support services and cross-sector collaboration. Providers shared meaningful accomplishments — including successful linkages to housing, nutrition services, IHSS, Medi-Cal renewals and strengthened care coordination — while also raising system-level challenges related to reimbursement pressures, affordable housing scarcity and the need for clearer operational guidance.

On April 17, DHCS released the 2025 BrightLife Kids and Soluna Impact Report, featuring video testimonials and key data detailing how California’s free behavioral health platforms have reached more than 500,000 users, including children, youth, young adults and families, across all 58 California counties. Launched in 2024, the platforms offer free confidential mental health support and resources to all Californians, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Early data show the platforms are advancing equity, with most users coming from communities with the greatest social and health inequities. Participant satisfaction remains high at 98%, and for most users, this is their first experience with professional mental health support — 77% of BrightLife Kids users and 50% of Soluna users. CalOptima Health has been actively promoting both platforms to our members since inception. 

On April 9, the San Clemente Times interviewed Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW, Executive Director, Medi-Cal/CalAIM, about CalOptima Health investing $500,000 to transform a motel in San Clemente into permanent supportive housing.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our theme this year invites our community to Dive Deep Into Mental Wellness. It’s a reminder to look beyond the surface and pay attention to your emotional, mental and physical health. Mental health awareness is about understanding mental health conditions, recognizing when someone may be struggling and reducing the stigma, so people feel safe to seek help. Creating day-to-day habits and practices, like taking a mindful moment, reaching out to someone you trust, setting a boundary, or even just taking a breath, supports your mental health. It’s the small things that make a big difference. Enjoy a message from our Executive Director of Behavioral Health Integration, Carmen Katsarov, LPCC, CCM, here.

CalOptima Health kicked off its first stakeholder meeting in April for the Orange County Health Care Workforce Development Collaborative. The meeting was facilitated by the Orange County Department of Education and convened diverse partners across Orange County representing industries such as education, health care, nonprofit, business and local government. The stakeholders discussed health care workforce gaps, including provider shortages, barriers to entry, a limited and diverse pipeline and insufficient coordination.

Stakeholder Meeting 2 is on Wednesday, May 20, focusing on actionable solutions to these workforce issues. If you are a community or provider partner in Orange County and interested in joining, please contact strategicdevelopment@caloptima.org by May 15, 2026.

This Collaborative, led by the Strategic Development team, is part of CalOptima Health’s multi-year $50 million investment to strengthen Orange County’s health care workforce, so our members can access timely, high-quality and equitable care.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death for women, during pregnancy and beyond. Join us in creating a solution to change this. 

You must be a student from any high school, college or university to participate. Graduate students from every field are encouraged to join. No experience necessary, you only need enthusiasm and creativity.

What: 2-day in-person hackathon

When: May 16–17 (from 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday)

Where: University of California, Irvine

Cost: Free; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided

Questions: Visit the FAQ section at VenusHacks.com or email venushacks.uci@gmail.com.

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 presentation: 

CalOptima Health | 505 City Parkway West, Orange

• Wednesday, May 20, 10–11:30 a.m.

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

• Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Wednesday, May 27, 10 a.m.–Noon

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, 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 could earn in the form of a physical gift card in previous years are now added to the flex card. Members can earn rewards by completing certain health care tests or screenings, then 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).

Upcoming Lunch and Learn to Focus on Chinese Culture, History and Health

This training offers health care providers and community partners an introductory look into the Chinese community, one of the most diverse and nuanced populations within CalOptima Health's membership. Participants will explore key cultural values, historical experiences and community dynamics that shape how Chinese individuals and their families engage with the health care system, as well as the barriers to care that persist today.

When: Thursday, May 14

Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Where: CalOptima Health, Room 109 (first floor), 505 City Parkway W., Orange

• 1.5 CME and CE credits
• Registration is required, please RSVP.
• For questions, contact continuingeducation@caloptima.org.
• For more information, please see the flyer.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Webinar Offers Tools for Families

Attend a free webinar hosted by The Orange County Aging Services Collaborative. Explore and discover proactive ways to prevent elder abuse through awareness, advocacy and action. Participants will gain knowledge on essential tools, including advance directives, living trusts, wills, power of attorney and conservatorship.

When: Friday, June 12

Time: 10 a.m.–Noon

Location: Zoom

Registration is required, click here to RSVP.