CalOptima Health's Round 4 of our Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) grants offer significant funding opportunities for homelessness prevention initiatives. The program features two funding streams: Equity Grants up to $50,000 and Systems Change Projects ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. 

This round offers a total of $5.5 million in funding, with $500,000 allocated for Equity Grants and $5 million for Systems Change Projects. The grant application portal opened on January 22, and interested organizations must submit their applications by March 5, 2025. 

For additional information or to access application materials, visit the CalAIM webpage or contact the CalAIM Program Development team at calaimgrants@caloptima.org.

At CalOptima Health, we're committed to providing high-quality health care and building strong connections with the members and community we serve. We created a series of videos to introduce some of our key leaders who share why they are passionate about serving the needs of our community's most vulnerable. In the first video, meet Chief Operating Officer Yunkyung Kim. As COO, Kim oversees the operations that make it possible to deliver care to nearly 1 million Orange County residents. She shares her personal journey, passion for health care and vision for ensuring CalOptima Health continues to meet our members' needs.

Watch Yunkyung Kim’s video.

Last week, CalOptima Health celebrated the grand opening of a new WellSpace at Loara High School in Anaheim. This WellSpace is the eighth of 10 funded by CalOptima Health’s Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP), which invested $25.5 million in a variety of mental health interventions in all 29 Orange County school districts. CalOptima Health collaborates with CHOC/Rady Children’s Health and the Orange County Department of Education on each WellSpace, which is a location on campus that provides students with a safe space to practice social-emotional learning skills and de-escalate mental health concerns. The WellSpaces are intended to help students develop resilience, perseverance and adaptability. Carmen Katsarov, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Integration, spoke at the grand opening noting that, “Our community may not be aware that CalOptima Health covers 280,000 kids in Orange County — that’s almost half of OC’s children. Right here, CalOptima Health is proud to have 135,000 members of all ages in Anaheim, which is 40% of all Anaheim residents.” The event was covered by NBC4 and the Orange County Register.

CalOptima Health joined Korean Community Services, Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Southland Integrated Services, the Cambodian Family and the Vital Access Care Foundation to raise awareness for cancer screenings. Chief Medical Officer Richard Pitts, D.O., Ph.D., spoke at the media event and encouraged everyone to get screened, "Everybody here should ask five people they know if they’re up to date on their cancer screenings."

CalOptima Health provided a $3 million grant to combat low cancer screening rates in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The grant will streamline community cancer care education, screening and enhanced care coordination by developing a robust Asian American cancer network in Orange County.

Chief Operating Officer Yunkyung Kim recently joined Board of Supervisors Chairman and CalOptima Health Board member Doug Chaffee, U.S. Congressman Derek Tran, C&C Development principals and other community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Lincoln Avenue Apartments, a large affordable housing community in Buena Park that will serve more than 50 families and veterans in need. CalOptima Health is providing an $8 million Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) grant to support its construction, which will meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable.⁣⁣

The project is set to be completed in October 2026. Residents will enjoy amenities including a community room, children's tot lot, teen fitness area, and on-site educational programs through LifeSTEPS. ⁣⁣This project is part of CalOptima Health's larger commitment to affordable housing and has provided more than $93 million in HHIP funding to create 1,215 housing units across Orange County.

Listen to Michael Hunn, Chief Executive Officer, discuss our plans to join Covered California by 2027, helping over 15,000 Orange County residents maintain continuity of care when transitioning between Medi-Cal and marketplace coverage. This brief episode from Becker's Payer Issues podcast covers how the initiative: 

• Supports members experiencing income changes 
• Maintains trusted provider relationships 
• Bridges critical coverage gaps

Click here to listen.

CalOptima Health has released its first-ever Health Equity Report, marking a significant milestone in addressing health disparities across Orange County. The comprehensive report, released on February 11, outlines strategies to improve health care access and outcomes for the county’s diverse communities.

Under the guidance of Chief Health Equity Officer Michaell Silva Rose, DrPH, LCSW, the organization is implementing over 35 initiatives to support community health. These include expanded behavioral health telehealth services, maternal health programs and culturally responsive care solutions.

“We are committed to providing high-quality health solutions and serving our members with the excellence, dignity and care they deserve,” says Dr. Rose.

The report comes as CalOptima Health prepares to pursue the National Committee for Quality Assurance Health Equity Accreditation in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to serving nearly 918,000 members through its network of health care providers across Orange County.

Click here to view the full report.

CalOptima Health’s newest member video tells the inspiring story of Maggie Noble’s journey from experiencing homelessness to her joy at receiving housing at Santa Angelina, an affordable senior housing community in Placentia. Through the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP), CalOptima Health granted $1.3 million to National CORE for the development of Santa Angelina’s 65 affordable apartment homes for seniors. Twenty-one units are set aside as permanent supportive housing for unhoused seniors or seniors at risk of becoming unhoused.   

Join the American Academy of Pediatrics, Orange County Chapter for The Social Drivers of Health: Gaps and Opportunities in Pediatrics CME and MOC-2 Conference. Understand critical social drivers of health for children, including housing, food, education, transportation and health. Comprehend the critical role pediatricians play as impactful advocates for identifying modifiable risk factors in their own communities to change policy from their clinics to their communities and public policymakers.

When: Saturday, March 8

Time: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location: UCI Sue Gross Auditorium, 854 Health Sciences Rd. Irvine

To register, click here.

See flyer for additional details.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with major neurocognitive and cardiometabolic sequelae. First line treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which has been shown in randomized trials to improve symptoms as well as blood pressure. Alternative therapies are now emerging to promote weight loss or the toning of upper airway muscles. Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of this condition, allowing us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

When: Wednesday, March 12

Time: Noon–1:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom Webinar

• 1.5 CME and CE credits offered.
• Space is limited, please RSVP by Monday, March 10 using link
• For questions, contact continuingeducation@caloptima.org
• For more information, please see attached flyer.

Let’s combat the opioid epidemic together! CalOptima Health is offering FREE doses of naloxone for medical providers and community-based organizations. Come pick up naloxone for your patients and clients! 

This Naloxone Distribution Event is part of our Drive to Revive campaign. Sign a simple

distribution agreement and receive an unlimited number of cases that contain single-use,

prescription-strength nasal spray doses of Kloxxado, naloxone’s brand name.

Date: Friday, March 21

Time: 9 a.m.–Noon

Location: Pick-up address provided upon registration

Click here to RSVP for the event by Friday, March 14. For questions about the event, email loretta.pedroza@caloptima.org.

Click here for the event flyer.

Can’t make the event? Order naloxone through CalOptima Health.

To order:

1.  Email naloxone@caloptima.org with the name and email address of your organization’s authorized representative. We will then send that person a Naloxone Distribution Agreement via DocuSign.

2.   Once you have the agreement, identify the number of cases you want.

3.   Sign and return the agreement.

4.   Receive the naloxone. CalOptima Health will deliver the naloxone during the business hours identified on the DocuSign.

To order naloxone for delivery, please email us at naloxone@caloptima.org.

Join us for an in-depth look at diabetes. This course will cover the prevalence of diabetes, the risk factors that contribute to the disease and disparities. The course will also provide strategies on how to prevent diabetes and discuss how to manage it using evidence-based guidelines.

When: Wednesday, March 26

Time: Noon–1:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom Webinar

• Registration is required.
• 1.5 CME and CE credits are offered.
• Space is limited, please RSVP by Monday, March 24 using link https://bit.ly/4fXpPuz
• For questions, contact continuingeducation@caloptima.org
• For more information, please see attached flyer.

Join Regional Center of Orange County for Deaf (+) Plus Awareness Day and Resource Fair. Come join and meet organizations, vendors, and agencies who support the Deaf (+) plus community. Activities include story time reading in ASL, arts and crafts for kids and refreshments. ASL interpretation will be available.

When: Saturday, March 8

Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location: The Anaheim Central Public Library, 500 Broadway Ave., Anaheim

Registration is required, click here.

For more information, please email Brian Nesdale, RCOR at bnesdale@rcocdd.com.

See flyer for additional details.

Are you a family with a child who has special needs ages 2–5? Share your experience about preschools and access to supports in Orange County. The information collected will help plan for programs and services that support children with disabilities. 

When: Wednesday, March 12

Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Location: Regional Center of Orange County, Santa Ana

Click HERE if you are interested in participating. 

For questions, please contact Aubrey Roy at aroy@ocde.us. 

The Orange County Local Partnership Agreement invites the community to a county-wide transition resource fair, "Empowering Transitions and Building Futures."

Event highlights:

• 1:1 discussions with service providers
• Breakout sessions on transitions topics
• Food trucks

When: Wednesday, March 12

Time: 4–7 p.m.

Location: Stonegate Elementary School, 100 Honors, Irvine

Click here for registration.

See flyer for event details.

Supervisor Doug Chafee invites you to Fourth District Kids Fishing Derby, a free event. Prizes will be awarded to top catches, bait will be provided and fishing rods to use will be provided at no cost. Registration is required and this event is open to residents of the Fourth District, which includes the cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton and portions of Anaheim.

Date: Saturday, March 29

Time: Registration opens at 7 a.m.

Fishing Derby: 8–11 a.m.

Location: Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park

Please RSVP and register here.

See flyer for more details.

Effective January 1, 2025, individuals who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal can now enroll once per month into CalOptima Health OneCare (HMO D-SNP), a Medicare Medi-Cal Plan. This is exciting news for duals who have the opportunity to enroll into OneCare on a monthly basis. If you have Medicare and Medi-Cal, you need a health plan that fits your life. Now CalOptima Health OneCare as two different plan options for members to select from:

• CalOptima Health OneCare Complete — Our original plan offers $0 copays on medical and hospital services and all covered 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 groceries and more.



• CalOptima Health OneCare Flex Plus — Our new low-cost plan is designed for flexibility, offering $0 doctor visits and hospital stays. It also includes generous extras such as a larger flex card allowance for OTC items, more vision care, comprehensive dental, a fitness benefit and more.

To be eligible for CalOptima Health OneCare, a member must be:

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

You can explore the benefits of each plan here.

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: 

Latino Health Access | 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana

• Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.–Noon

CalOptima Health | 505 City Parkway West, Orange

• Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Friday, March 7, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Tuesday, March 11, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Wednesday, March 19, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.–Noon

Delhi Center | 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana

• Wednesday, March 12, 10 a.m.–Noon

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

• Tuesday, March 4, 2–4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 11, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 20, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 25, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 27, 10 a.m.–Noon and 2–4 p.m.

Presentations are only offered in English, and light snacks will be served. To learn more, view event flyers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. For questions and to RSVP, call CalOptima Health OneCare at 1-800-466-0524.

CalOptima Health developed a two-page list of immigration resources in collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency and the County of Orange Social Services Agency. It was distributed to all staff if conversations with members and providers lead to this topic and the need to share helpful resources in the current climate. Click here to view the document.

CalOptima Health is happy to share a free Home Lead Hazard Removal Program, designed to help families eliminate lead pain hazards and create a safer environment for children and pregnant women. This initiative, in partnership with Azure Community Development, the California Department of Public Health, and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, offers eligible families lead removal services at no cost. Protecting the health and safety of families is a top priority. Lead poisoning remains a significant risk for young children, making this program crucial for protecting vulnerable families.

For more information, please contact info@azuredevelopmentco.com. See flyer for program details and how to apply.

OC Free Tax Prep provides free tax preparation services to thousands of low-income residents while also conducting outreach and education to raise awareness of and access to tax credits, like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), which results in more money returned to our community, often bolstering a struggling family’s ability to provide for their children, pay for rent, food, and medical expenses, while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.

OC Free Tax Prep is part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security℠ initiative, which is helping local families gain financial stability, transition from surviving to thriving, and work toward self-sufficiency.

To learn more about the program, view flyers in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean.



For location, please visit OCFreeTaxprep.com/locations

As of February 2025, new EBT cards with chip technology were sent out to all EBT cardholders to their home address. Old EBT cards will be deactivated 180 days after the new chip cards are sent out. The upgraded EBT cards provide new and improved security measures, targeting reduced fraud and stolen benefits. Mass card replacement will take place over a few months, not all EBT cardholders will receive their new cards at the same time.

For questions, call the EBT Customer Service Helpline at 877-328-9677 or visit ssa.ocgove.com. To manage your benefits, visit ebtedge.com. View flyers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

CalOptima Health is offering funding opportunities up to $25,000 to community-based organizations to host community events to increase awareness of and enrollment in Medi-Cal and CalFresh for newly eligible individuals and hard-to-reach communities. 

CalOptima Health will provide:

• CalOptima Health Medi-Cal Expansion Communications Toolkit
• Community Event Workplan
• CalOptima Health resource table at the community event(s)
• Post Community Event Report
• Consultation support, as needed

To submit a request, please complete and send the Medi-Cal Expansion Community Event Sponsorship form and event flyer, if available, to Community Relations Program Specialist Thomas Moua.

For more information, please reach out to Soledad Rivera at soledad.rivera@caloptima.org or Tiffany Kaaiakamanu at tkaaiakamanu@caloptima.org.