The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) added Community Health Worker (CHW) services as a Medi-Cal benefit starting July 1, 2022. CHW services are an integral part of Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports offered by managed care plans (MCPs) as part of the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative. CHW services are also available to Medi-Cal members with fee-for-service.
CHW services are preventive health services to prevent disease, disability, and other health conditions or their progression; to prolong life; and promote physical and mental health and well-being. CHW services may assist with a variety of concerns impacting MCP members, including but not limited to, the control and prevention of chronic conditions or infectious diseases, behavioral health conditions, and need for preventive services.
Additionally, CHW services can help Medi-Cal members receive appropriate services related to perinatal care, preventive care, sexual and reproductive health, environmental and climate-sensitive health issues, oral health, aging, injury, and domestic violence and community violence prevention services.
CHWs may include individuals known by a variety of job titles, including promotores, community health representatives, navigators, and other non-licensed public health workers, including violence prevention professionals.
If you need assistance from a community health work organization, and live in California: