Funding enhances the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP), advancing infrastructure, partnerships and innovative solutions to improve health outcomes
ORANGE, Calif. (December 16, 2024) — The CalOptima Health Board of Directors has approved the allocation of $19.73 million in funding as part of its Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP). This decision builds on CalOptima Health’s commitment to addressing housing insecurity as a key social driver of health outcomes in Orange County.
The funding will advance three critical priorities: bolstering infrastructure to coordinate and meet members’ housing needs, fostering partnerships and capacity to support referrals and services, and driving innovation and implementation of strategic interventions.
Launched in 2022, the HHIP initiative is part of the Department of Health Care Services’ California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) framework. CalOptima Health secured $72.9 million in HHIP funding and committed $87.4 million from its own resources to support housing solutions for members. The new allocation of $19.73 million is part of the total funding pool.
To date, HHIP has funded 1,215 housing units across Orange County, onboarded 70 housing navigation providers, engaged 18 community-based organizations with targeted equity grants, launched Street Medicine Programs in three cities, and served more than 534 individuals through Orange County United Way’s Whatever It Takes housing program. Read more in the HHIP Progress Report here.
“The recent Board approval underscores CalOptima Health’s dedication to ensuring sustainable, innovative and equitable solutions to housing insecurity,” said Michael Hunn, Chief Executive Officer of CalOptima Health. “With these investments, provided by the state, we are strengthening the foundational supports that connect housing stability with better health outcomes for our members and the broader community.”
As a cornerstone of CalOptima Health’s commitment to the statewide CalAIM initiative, HHIP demonstrates the power of leveraging housing stability to improve health outcomes. The newly approved funding ensures that these transformative efforts will continue to evolve, creating housing solutions for Orange County’s most vulnerable residents.
“CalOptima Health is committed to addressing housing insecurity with bold investments and collaborative partnerships that prioritize the dignity and health of every individual,” Hunn added.
About CalOptima Health
A county organized health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care coverage for low-income children, adults,
seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 910,000 members with a network of 8,300 primary care doctors and specialists and 40 acute and rehab hospitals.