Medi-Cal Member Outreach and Retention Program

Recent federal Medicaid policy changes under H.R. 1 have changed requirements for Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal (also known as redetermination) for Medi-Cal members. These changes create a higher risk of coverage loss due to missed paperwork, address changes, language barriers or confusion about renewal requirements.

Many members rely on trusted community partners to understand renewal requirements and notices, complete the renewal process and maintain continuous coverage. Coverage disruptions can result in delayed care and increased strain on providers and safety net systems. Investing in community-based outreach, education and enrollment assistance helps ensure Medi-Cal members remain enrolled and connected to essential services.

1. Increase Medi-Cal member awareness about requirements to maintain Medi-Cal coverage.
2. Strengthen capacity of community-based organizations to assist Medi-Cal members in renewing and maintaining Medi-Cal enrollment (also known as redetermination).
3. Reduce avoidable disenrollment among Medi-Cal members.

Medi-Cal Member Outreach and Retention grants support community-based activities that directly address the Member Outreach and Retention funding goals.

There are two types of grants that will be awarded:

• Tier 1: Medi-Cal Outreach and Education grants support community-based outreach and education activities that increase awareness of Medi-Cal eligibility, renewal requirements and available assistance. Activities may include individual or group outreach at community events, workshops, presentations, and culturally and linguistically responsive education efforts designed to inform members about how to maintain Medi-Cal coverage.
• Tier 2: Medi-Cal Renewal Assistance grants support direct, hands-on assistance to Medi-Cal members to complete the annual renewal (redetermination) process. Activities may include individualized application support, document collection and submission assistance, and follow-up with county eligibility offices.

All grantees must:

• Use and promote Alliance-approved Medi-Cal renewal communications materials and messaging.
• Provide culturally and linguistically responsive outreach, education and support for Medi-Cal members.
• Participate in available Alliance trainings related to Medi-Cal changes.
• Participate in reporting and evaluation activities.

Tier 1: Medi-Cal Outreach and Education grantees must:

• Integrate Medi-Cal renewal outreach and education activities into existing services and/or programs for Medi-Cal members.
• Implement a referral pathway to ensure members are connected to their primary care provider or a community partner for Medi-Cal renewal support.

Tier 2: Medi-Cal Renewal Assistance grantees must:

• Prioritize use of BenefitsCal to assist Medi-Cal members with renewal whenever feasible, while providing paper-based support when required, for successful completion of renewal process.
• Staff a phone line at least 10 hours per week for direct transfers from the Alliance to support Medi-Cal members needing hands-on assistance.
• Agree to be listed on the Alliance website as a community partner providing Medi-Cal renewal assistance.

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program (see Eligibility Guidelines) and the following criteria.

Tier 1 Medi-Cal Outreach and Education applicants must be one of the following:

• A contracted Alliance provider.
• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• A fiscal agent for a 501(c)(3) or community group.
• A governmental entity.

Tier 2: Medi-Cal Renewal Assistance applicants must be one of the following:

• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• A fiscal agent for a 501(c)(3) or community group.

One organization must serve as the applicant/grantee organization. Additional types of partners not listed above may be involved in the project but cannot serve as the applicant.

An applicant is limited to one Medi-Cal Member Outreach and Retention grant at a time.

Amount

The Alliance will consider funding as follows:

Tier 1: Medi-Cal Outreach and Education grant maximum is $25,000 per award.

Tier 2: Medi-Cal Renewal Assistance grant maximum is $250,000 per award.

75% of the grant award would be paid upon grant agreement execution. The remaining 25% would be paid upon completion of final reporting and expense verification.

Term

The grant period will be 12 months occurring in Calendar Year Quarter 2 2026 through Quarter 1 2027. The grant timeline is defined starting from the date the grant agreement is fully executed through 12 months of grant activities.

Eligible Expenses

Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Personnel expenses (salary and benefits) for one or more full-time equivalents (FTEs) or percentage FTEs with direct responsibilities for grant activities.

• One-time purchase of equipment and/or technology dedicated to grant activities (leased technology not eligible).
• Programmatic costs (event costs, materials, mileage, etc.).

• Tier 2 only: Indirect costs up to 15% are eligible and may be included in project budget.
• Costs incurred prior to approval of the grant application will not be considered.

Tier 1: Medi-Cal Outreach and Education

• Outreach methods utilized.
• Actual number of activities conducted.
• Number of members reached.
• Referrals made to renewal assistance.

Tier 2: Medi-Cal Renewal Assistance

• Number of members assisted.
• Number of renewals attempted.
• Successful renewals completed.
• Estimated time spent per member.

Visit our How to Apply page for deadlines, instructions and the online application form.

Applications from organizations not contracted with the Alliance require submission of financial statements, including audited financial statements for the last fiscal year or an organizational profit and loss statement and balance sheet for the last 12 months.