Council on Aging – Southern California Receives $500,000 CalOptima Health Grant to Expand Community Enrollment Services for Medi-Cal and CalFresh

Investment strengthens Behavioral Health & Wellness Department to help Orange County residents maintain health coverage and access essential benefits

IRVINE, Calif. — July, 2026 — Council on Aging – Southern California (COASC) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from CalOptima Health to expand its Behavioral Health & Wellness Department (BHWD) and increase access to trusted enrollment assistance for Orange County residents navigating changes to Medi-Cal eligibility and other public benefit programs. The funding is part of CalOptima Health’s $3.6 million investment in seven community-based organizations working to help eligible residents maintain health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.

The grant will enable COASC to train and deploy Community Enrollment Counselors, expanding the organization’s capacity to provide one-on-one assistance with Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The initiative is designed to help individuals and families understand changing eligibility requirements, complete applications accurately, and maintain access to critical health care, nutrition assistance, and supportive services.

“Access to health care begins with access to information and trusted guidance,” said Carolina Gutierrez-Richau, Director, BHWD. “This investment from CalOptima Health enables us to expand our reach and help Orange County residents successfully navigate complex enrollment processes and the new requirements introduced under H.R.1. By meeting people where they are, we can ensure individuals and families remain connected to health care, benefits, and resources they need to live healthier, more independent lives.”

Recent federal and state policy changes have introduced new eligibility requirements and more frequent renewal processes for many Medi-Cal beneficiaries, increasing the risk that eligible residents could lose coverage because of administrative barriers rather than changes in eligibility. Through this funding, COASC will provide culturally responsive outreach, personalized enrollment support, education and navigation services that help residents maintain uninterrupted access to care.

The expansion builds upon COASC’s long-standing commitment to improving the health, independence and well-being of older adults, caregivers and vulnerable populations throughout Orange County. By integrating Community Enrollment services within its Behavioral Health & Wellness Department, the organization will further strengthen its whole-person approach to connecting individuals with health care, behavioral health resources, food assistance and other essential community services.

“For many families, navigating the health care coverage enrollment process is already complicated. With some adult Medi-Cal members soon required to reapply twice a year, we do not want paperwork or administrative barriers to stand in the way of health care,” said Vicente Sarmiento, CalOptima Health Board Chair and Orange County Supervisor. “These grants will help community organizations provide the support members need to maintain their coverage, increase retention among eligible members and avoid unnecessary gaps in care.”

Enrollment assistance will be available through COASC’s Behavioral Health & Wellness Department, with services offered both in the community and through direct client support.