Press Release

During a special session held last week, CalOptima’s Board of Directors (Board) took action on several items that reinforce the agency’s commitment to serving Orange County’s vulnerable population of low-income residents.

In addition to extending pilot programs for members experiencing homelessness, such as Clinical Field Teams and shelter-based health services, the Board also approved up to $45 million in provider incentives to assist in coordinating care across a spectrum of services. And to continue encouraging vaccination against COVID-19, the Member Health Reward program that offers gift cards for vaccines will stretch through 2022.

“Our members’ health and well-being are always our first priorities,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Chair of the CalOptima Board of Directors and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “In light of the enhancements to Medi-Cal expected in 2022, CalOptima has an expanded responsibility and greater opportunity to provide services that meet members’ diverse and comprehensive health and wellness needs.”

The extension of the pilot programs serving the unsheltered population in Orange County will provide funding for another year of operation, and allows CalOptima caregivers to continue supporting the most vulnerable in innovative ways through Clinical Field Teams that go to locations where individuals need services, such as parks or train stations, and through mobile clinics that serve residents at homeless shelters. The pandemic has changed how the unsheltered have used these programs, and the additional year will allow CalOptima clinical leaders to analyze and further tailor the programs to meet evolving needs and further refine the best methods of delivery.

Additionally, CalOptima is fully committed to continuing to raise vaccination rates among its members, with more than 464,000 vaccinated so far, or about 58% of CalOptima’s eligible population. CalOptima’s Board voted to continue offering $25 Member Health Reward gift cards for members who receive their shots through 2022.CalOptima will also offer two vaccine clinics in January to encourage vaccination among children. More information on those clinics can be found here.  

“CalOptima is well prepared for the new year, and for our ongoing efforts to serve those most in need,” said Michael Hunn, CalOptima Interim Chief Executive Officer. “The latest Board actions deepen our connections with members and allow us to do more to reach the vulnerable in a cost-effective and compassionate manner.”

A county organized health system, CalOptima provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima’s mission is to provide members with access to quality health care services delivered in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. In total, CalOptima serves more than 862,000 members with a network of nearly 9,400 primary care doctors and specialists as well as 41 acute and rehab hospitals.