Starting April 1, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will return to regular Medi-Cal eligibility and enrollment operations. CalOptima Health members will receive a mailed letter from the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) asking to confirm their contact information as an initial step in the renewal effort. Community partners and providers can assist by informing Medi-Cal members to expect this letter. If a member changed addresses or other contact information during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), they should notify SSA as soon as possible by calling 855-541-5411 or visiting https://ssa.ocgov.com.

CalOptima Health is hosting two virtual InfoSeries events on Medi-Cal Redetermination for health care professionals and community stakeholders:



• Wednesday, March 29, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 30, 9–10 a.m.

Both sessions will cover the same information. Each session will provide an update on the Medi-Cal annual renewal process, including the timeline, how CalOptima Health members can prepare to report a change in contact information or circumstances, and communications strategy and resources for the community. Please register for this event by Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 

Reflecting CalOptima Health’s commitment to Orange County’s vulnerable population of people experiencing homelessness, the Board of Directors approved awarding $29.9 million in grants to 29 organizations, including first-ever funds for permanent supportive housing.  

The agency’s grants are tied to participation in the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Housing and Homeless Incentive Program (HHIP). In addition to funding major projects, grants were also awarded for expanded community-based services that will strengthen Orange County’s ability to respond to the continuing homeless crisis. 

“These grants will deliver life-changing resources for many individuals and families in Orange County,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. “Simply put, housing is health. CalOptima Health is honored that $21 million of this funding will go toward permanent supportive housing.” 

Read the press release with the list of grantees and awards.

From left: CalOptima Health Board Vice Chair Blair Contratto and Board Chair Clayton Corwin; CEO Michael Hunn; and new Board member Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento at CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors meeting on March 2. 

At CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors meeting on March 2, the Board appointed Clayton Corwin as Chair and Blair Contratto as Vice Chair. CalOptima Health also welcomed new Board member Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. “Thank you for the warm welcome and all of the preparation,” said Sarmiento during the meeting. “I look forward to serving our members and learning from all of you.”

Join CalOptima Health's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for a senior health and wellness event on Saturday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m., at our PACE center in Garden Grove. The event will provide information about the PACE program and offer facility tours to prospective participants and their families.

The Orange County Health Care Agency makes it easy for individuals to get a COVID-19 vaccine. There are several ways to find an appointment. Click here for the various options.

Vaccinations are also available for anyone who is homebound, and transportation services are available for those who need a ride to a vaccination site. If you need help scheduling a vaccination appointment, call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000.

Equity in OC (EiOC) is releasing a Power Building Fund for smaller, grassroots organizations who are addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) for those most impacted by health inequities and whose annual operating budgets are under $500,000. The grant will provide opportunities to build their infrastructure and/or capacity, supporting them to becoming more sustainable partners in the EiOC Initiative. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 12. 

Community members could receive a one-time grant of up to $400 to help pay their natural gas bill through the Gas Assistance Fund (GAF). Eligible individuals age 55 and over or with an older adult (age 55 and over) living in their household could receive an additional $100 for a maximum grant of up to $500. Those facing certain financial hardships may be eligible for extra grant funding.

To qualify for GAF, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• The natural gas bill must be in the name of the applicant requesting assistance.
• The bill address must be the applicant’s primary residence.
• The applicant must not apply for more than the maximum GAF allowance for the current program year.
• The applicant must meet the income guidelines.

Join Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services for their virtual suicide prevention trainings in April. RSVP is required.

• Wednesday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.–Noon: General Suicide Prevention Training
• Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Clinical Suicide Prevention Training
• Thursday, April 20, 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: Clinical Suicide Prevention Training
• Monday, April 24, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: General Suicide Prevention Training

CalOptima Health Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. Our building is closed to visitors. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language. Members can also visit www.caloptima.org and access their member portal.