Understanding CalAIM: A New Way California Is Supporting Whole-Person Health
If you or someone you know is covered by Medi-Cal, you may have heard the term "CalAIM" but aren't quite sure what it means. You're not alone. CalAIM is one of the most significant changes to California's Medi-Cal program in years, and it's designed to help people get the support they need—not just for medical care, but for life.
Think about someone like Marcus. He's a 52-year-old man living with diabetes and high blood pressure who recently lost his housing. Between managing his health conditions, finding a stable place to live, and trying to keep up with medical appointments, everything feels overwhelming. In the past, Marcus might have received help for his medical needs in one place and been left to figure out the rest on his own. But under CalAIM, Marcus can now be connected to a care manager who helps him coordinate his healthcare while also linking him to housing navigation services and other supports. Instead of falling through the cracks, Marcus gets the kind of wraparound help that addresses his whole situation—not just one piece of it.
That's the idea behind CalAIM. It recognizes that people like Marcus don't just need a doctor. They need someone in their corner who can help them put all the pieces together.
What Is CalAIM?
CalAIM stands for California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal. It's a statewide initiative that recognizes something important: health isn't just about doctor visits and prescriptions. Where you live, whether you have stable housing, and how you manage daily challenges all play a role in your overall well-being.
Under CalAIM, Medi-Cal members who face complex health or social needs can now access services that go beyond traditional healthcare. The goal is to meet people where they are and address the root causes of poor health outcomes—not just the symptoms.
Two Key Parts of CalAIM
CalAIM includes two main types of support:
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) connects members with a dedicated care manager who helps coordinate all aspects of their care. This might include scheduling appointments, connecting with specialists, following up on treatment plans, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. ECM is especially helpful for individuals with multiple chronic conditions, those experiencing homelessness, or people transitioning out of incarceration or institutional settings.
Community Supports are practical, non-medical services that help members stay healthy and stable. These can include housing navigation, housing deposits, medically tailored meals, sobering centers, and more. These services address real-life barriers that often stand in the way of good health.
Who Qualifies?
CalAIM services are available to Medi-Cal members who meet certain criteria based on their health conditions, life circumstances, or level of need. Eligibility is determined through your Medi-Cal managed care plan, and referrals can come from healthcare providers, social workers, or community organizations.
How CSI Can Help
At Community Support Initiative, we're proud to be a CalAIM provider. Our team is here to help members access the services they need to build stability, improve their health, and move toward independence. Whether it's care coordination through ECM or hands-on support through Community Supports, we're committed to walking alongside our members every step of the way.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from CalAIM services, reach out to us. We're happy to answer your questions and help you get connected.