Scotts Valley, Calif., February 26, 2026 — Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance) has released its 2026 Community Impact Report, highlighting $44.9 million in investments made throughout 2025 to improve health equity, expand access to care and strengthen the health care infrastructure across its five-county service area.
The report marks the Alliance’s 30th anniversary as a regional Medi-Cal managed care plan. The theme of this year’s report is: “Built on trust. Rooted in care. Grounded in 30 years of service.”
“In our 30th year of serving our local communities, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that people have equitable access to the care they need,” said Michael Schrader, CEO of the Alliance. “This report reflects our continued investment in programs that address not only clinical care, but also the community and social factors that shape health outcomes.”
Key investments and impact areas include:
- $44.9 million in total investments through the Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program and state incentive programs.
- 85 health care professionals recruited, including primary care providers, specialists, allied health professionals and behavioral health practitioners, expanding the local provider network and reducing average wait times by 34% to improve timely access for Medi-Cal members.
- 106 new Community Health Worker (CHW) graduates, trained and supported by tuition scholarships, strengthening a trusted, community-based workforce that helps members navigate care and address barriers like transportation and housing.
- 150+ outreach events and 100+ pop-ups, reaching thousands of members where they live, work and gather.
- 40+ regional collaboratives supported, ensuring Medi-Cal members’ voices are represented in county-level decisions.
- Infrastructure expansion including new or expanded clinics, enhanced diagnostic technology and improved transportation access.
- Sustainable early childhood programs and culturally responsive care models supporting Indigenous-language-speaking communities.
These investments reflect the Alliance’s ongoing mission to improve access, reduce disparities and build healthier communities for more than 430,000 Medi-Cal members in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
“We are especially proud of our efforts to strengthen the frontline workforce—CHWs and doulas—who provide trusted, culturally responsive support. Their work helps bridge critical care gaps, and is essential to achieving whole-person care,” said Schrader.
Read the full report at thealliance.health/community-impact-report-2026/.
About Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance)
The Alliance is a regional Medi-Cal managed care health plan established in 1996, dedicated to improving access to health care for over 430,000 members in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. The organization has received full accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for both Health Plan Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation. Operating under the state’s County Organized Health System (COHS) model, the Alliance connects members with providers to deliver timely services and care, emphasizing prevention, early detection and effective treatment. With a vision of “healthy people, healthy communities,” the Alliance remains committed to enhancing access to quality health care for its members. For more information, visit www.thealliance.health.
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