The Latest News from CalOptima |
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CalOptima Promotes CalFresh Enrollment to Address Food Insecurity |
CalOptima is collaborating with CalFresh, the state’s largest food program, which provides monthly food benefits for eligible low-income people. More than 340,000 CalOptima members may be eligible to access nutritious foods for a better diet by enrolling in CalFresh.
CalOptima is working with the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) to streamline the CalFresh enrollment process using an improved phone line transfer between the two
agencies. In addition, CalOptima’s Board of Directors approved up to $2 million in March for a CalFresh awareness campaign to combat rising food insecurity in the agency’s member population. The campaign encourages enrollment through mail, phone and text message outreach. Special events are planned, and enrollment will be promoted through direct mail, advertising, health networks, providers and community-based organizations.
The amount of benefits a household receives depends on household size, income and monthly expenses. The program issues monthly Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, and food can be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts them. Depending on income, household size and expenses, an individual may receive up to $250 monthly and a family of four may receive up to $835 monthly.
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CalFresh Enrollment Event at the Delhi Center in Santa Ana |
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Come join us for an event celebrating nutrition and healthy living! CalOptima is launching a series of CalFresh Enrollment Events and Resource Fairs with the first event scheduled for Friday, May 6 from 3–7 p.m. at the Delhi Center located at 505 E. Central Avenue in Santa Ana.
CalOptima is offering on-site CalFresh enrollment, food distribution, diaper distribution (while supplies last), community resources and activities for the whole family, including music, face painting, balloons and more. The event flyer is available in English/Spanish and English/Vietnamese. |
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Scholarship to Support CalOptima Members’ Educational Pursuits |
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CalOptima is hosting a scholarship contest for 2022 to support the educational needs of two promising young students. To be eligible, applicants must be a CalOptima member (or have immediate family who are members) and pursuing a career in health care or social services fields.
CalOptima will award $2,500 scholarships to two students — one high school student and one post- secondary school student — chosen by a panel of
Judges, with additional amounts to be awarded to runners-up. One of the first-place winners will also be entered into the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) national scholarship program for the opportunity to win an additional $5,000.
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Encourage eligible members to fill out and submit an application form by May 1. Scholarship awards are funded solely through fundraising activities conducted by CalOptima employees, and no public money will be used. To access the flyers, click for English, Spanish and Vietnamese. |
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InfoSeries on Medi-Cal Expansion
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The virtual InfoSeries on Medi-Cal Expansion will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 1–2:30 p.m. The event is designed to provide an overview of the Medi-Cal expansion for adults ages 50+ regardless of immigration status and the Postpartum Care Extension. The event will also share about community efforts taking place to educate and enroll this newly eligible population, discuss how CalOptima is preparing for an increase in membership and how the Bright Steps program aligns with the Postpartum Care Extension. Click here to register for the event. |
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CalOptima Invests Record $50 Million in Safety Net |
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Encourage Members to Update their Beneficiary Contact Information |
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On April 7, CalOptima’s Board of Directors approved the single largest grant in the agency’s history — $50 million awarded to the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers (Coalition) over the next five years to enhance access to care, improve quality outcomes and strengthen infrastructure of the health care safety net in Orange County.
The grant allows the Coalition to improve patient experience and health outcomes, supporting the following initiatives:
- Establishing medical homes for select populations, such as individuals experiencing homelessness
- Improving timely access to and coordination of care, including care that will support individuals returning to the workforce
- Reducing avoidable hospitalizations and hospital readmissions
- Participating in a health information exchange and data interoperability
- Improving the quality of the centers’ systems, processes and overall performance
Grant funds will be distributed annually in $10 million increments, beginning immediately with the execution of the grant and continuing in subsequent years after meeting performance targets.
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CalOptima Medi-Cal members are encouraged to report any changes in their household to their local county office online, by phone, email, fax or in person in advance of the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
During the COVID-19 PHE, Medi-Cal members could keep their coverage regardless of changes in their circumstances. However, when the PHE ends, the county will check members’ Medi-Cal eligibility and may send letters asking for information.
Members should report changes to their income, disability status, phone number or mailing address, as doing so may help them continue to receive Medi-Cal coverage when the COVID-19 PHE ends. They should also report if someone in their household becomes pregnant, if someone moves in or anything else that may affect their Medi-Cal eligibility.
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Community Partner Highlight: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) |
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The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is offering discounts on the already reasonable price to ride public transportation. A day pass on OC Bus costs just $5 — less than the current average cost of a gallon of gas — allowing bus riders to travel on any regular bus route throughout the county. OCTA recently introduced two additional ways to save with Value Pass options: five single-day passes for $15 or a 30-day pass for $40 to ride anywhere OC Bus travels. |
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OCTA also recently became the first transit agency in the region to permanently offer a Youth Ride Free pass, which allows youth ages 6 to 18 the chance to ride OC Bus at no cost (available by request from parents). The pass not only helps OC youth get to their destinations safely, but it also reduces traffic congestion by taking cars off local roads and improving air quality. OCTA will continue working to distribute the passes in partnership with local K-12 school districts, at the OCTA store and online. For additional information on OC Bus and specific routes, visit ocbus.com. To purchase discounted passes, visit octa.net/valuepass. |
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Workshop on Managing Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal and Tapers |
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Join CalOptima for a virtual continuing medical education (CME) and continuing education (CE) workshop for physicians and licensed health care professionals on “Managing Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal and Tapers.” The workshop will take place on Wednesday, May 4, from Noon-1:30 p.m. Click here for the flyer and click here to register. |
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April is National Cancer Control Month |
April is dedicated to raising awareness for cancer prevention and early detection. |
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Prevention:
Individuals can lower their risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices. Consider these cancer-prevention tips:
- Don’t use tobacco
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active
- Practice safe sex and avoid risky behaviors
- Get immunized (HPV and hepatitis vaccines)
- Know your family medical history and get regular cancer screenings
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Detection:
Early cancer screenings can help find cancer cells before they spread to other areas of the body. Keeping up with screenings can help with early detection and avoid delays in treatment. Below are a few tests that should not be delayed:
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
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Reminder: Vaccines Saves Millions of Lives |
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The 20th Annual Vaccination Week in the Americas, 11th World Immunization Week, and National Infant Immunization Week observances are all at the end of April, reminding us that vaccines save millions of lives from disease each year. In 2021, we had safe and effective vaccines to help prevent and control 26 dangerous diseases. Now we add another vaccine to that list to help fight against COVID-19. Please celebrate preventive health with CalOptima by encouraging your community to stay up to date with their recommended vaccinations by age. |
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CalOptima COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Kids and the Community |
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Children ages 5–11 accompanied by a parent/guardian and unvaccinated community members of all ages are invited to the upcoming CalOptima clinic from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on:
- Saturday, April 23 — County of Orange Social Services Agency Central Regional Office, 2020 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana
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CalOptima will be on-site to check CalOptima Medi-Cal eligibility, give $25 Member Health Rewards to eligible members and host a resource table. The County of Orange Social Services Agency will be on-site to provide CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment. Vaccine event flyers are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Register at 1-714-834-2000 or www.othena.com. CalOptima Medi-Cal members can arrange transportation at 1-888-587-8088. |
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Build Protection Against COVID-19 by Getting Your Booster! |
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COVID-19 vaccines continue to be very effective in preventing severe disease, hospital stays and death. Over time, the protection vaccines offer can become less effective, especially for people ages 65 and older. This is why boosters are advised for added protection.
Who can get a booster?
The guidance on who can get a booster may change without notice, so check with your doctor first if you are not sure. Generally:
- Adults 18 years and older should get a booster
- Teens ages 12–17 years old are only approved for the Pfizer booster
When should you get a booster?
- People who received either Moderna or Pfizer as their primary COVID-19 vaccine should get a booster dose 5 months after completing the primary series
- People who received the single-dose J&J as their primary COVID-19 vaccine should get a booster dose 2 months after their 1st dose
- Some people may be able to get a 2nd booster dose 4 months after completing the 1st booster dose if they:
- 50 years and older
- Ages 12–49 and are moderately or severely immunocompromised
- Ages 18–49 and received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as the primary series and 1st booster
What type of booster vaccine can you get?
- Teens between 12–17 years old can only get a Pfizer booster
- Adults 18 years of age and older can get either a Pfizer or Moderna booster
- If your 1st vaccine was J&J, a Pfizer or Moderna booster is preferred
Don’t delay. Get your COVID-19 booster shot today!
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How to Contact CalOptima During the COVID-19 Pandemic |
CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs. 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. |
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CalOptima, A Public Agency www.caloptima.org
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