The Whole Person Care program, also known as CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal), represents a significant, long-term initiative aimed at transforming and strengthening Medi-Cal. Its core mission is to create a healthcare system that is more equitable, coordinated, and centered around the individual. By focusing on the person as a whole, CalAIM seeks to improve health outcomes and overall well-being for California’s most vulnerable populations. This program moves beyond simply treating immediate medical needs to addressing the broader factors that influence health, ensuring a more holistic and effective approach to care.
Who Can Benefit from Whole Person Care?
Whole Person Care through CalAIM is designed for Medi-Cal members facing complex challenges. Individuals experiencing any of the following situations may be eligible for and are encouraged to seek a referral to the program:
- Homelessness or housing insecurity: Addressing the critical need for stable housing as a foundation for health.
- Serious Mental Illness or Substance Use Disorder: Providing integrated care for behavioral health needs.
- Frequent Emergency Room or Hospital Utilization: Offering proactive care to reduce unnecessary crisis interventions.
- Recent Incarceration: Supporting successful re-entry into the community with healthcare and social supports.
Accessing Whole Person Care Services
Getting connected to Whole Person Care services is straightforward. If you believe you or a family member might benefit, there are several ways to request a referral:
- Consult Your Doctor: Your primary care physician is a great starting point and can initiate the referral process.
- Involve Family or Friends: A trusted family member or friend can also assist in requesting a referral on your behalf.
- Self-Referral: You can directly request a referral yourself, taking control of your healthcare journey.
For direct assistance and more information, you can:
Call: 805.339.1122
Email: [email protected]
Enhanced Care Management and Community Support: Key Services
CalAIM’s Whole Person Care program delivers crucial support through two primary service categories: Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports. ECM provides intensive, individualized care coordination to help navigate the complex healthcare system and ensure access to necessary medical services. Community Supports go further by addressing social determinants of health. These services assist with essential needs like housing and food, recognizing that these factors are integral to overall health and well-being. By integrating both medical and social support, Whole Person Care offers a comprehensive safety net for those who need it most.
To discover more about how Gold Coast Health Plan is implementing Enhanced Care Management and Community Support services in your area, please visit the GCHP CalAIM webpage: https://www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/for-providers/provider-resources/calaim-resources/
For deeper insights into the CalAIM initiative and its transformative vision for Medi-Cal, please explore the following resources: https://www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/for-providers/provider-resources/calaim-resources/
