#United States #Camarillo #Gold Coast Health Plan #Medi-Cal #RISE Grant

Gold Coast Health Plan's New Grant Initiative

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has officially opened applications for the second year of its innovative Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability, and Equity (RISE) Grant Program. This program is designed to empower community-based organizations and service providers to assist Medi-Cal members as they navigate significant federal changes in coverage eligibility requirements.

On February 20, 2026, GCHP announced that they would be granting awards of up to $400,000 for one-year projects that serve the needs of Medi-Cal members. Many of these members are facing new eligibility criteria starting this year, which are expected to expand in the years ahead. The RISE Grant Program aims to provide support in understanding these changes, renewing coverage on time, and connecting to job or training opportunities that meet the new standards.

Dr. Felix Nuñez, the CEO of GCHP, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Medi-Cal member maintains their health coverage. He stated, “Through this grant program, we are investing in the healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community groups that are equipped to reach members early and guide them through the transitions ahead.” This proactive approach is crucial, especially considering the potential ramifications for those losing coverage under the new requirements.

The RISE Grant is suited for a variety of applicants including hospitals, service providers, and community organizations. All of these groups play a vital role in supporting Medi-Cal members to better understand and comply with evolving eligibility, work, and engagement requirements. Projects proposed can include:

• - Outreach Communications: Using text, phone calls, clinic visits, or community events to remind members about renewing their coverage, ensuring they do not lose health benefits.
• - Facilitating Re-Enrollment: Providing hands-on assistance for members completing re-enrollment applications.
• - Support Services: Guiding members through the renewal steps necessary to maintain their eligibility.
• - Culturally Accessible Navigation: Offering services that connect members to qualifying job, training, education, or volunteer programs.

Erik Cho, GCHP's chief policy and program officer, remarked on the impact of last year’s RISE program, noting, “The organizations we funded in the inaugural RISE program are already making a difference in how members access care.” He emphasized that this second cycle of funding is a crucial opportunity to continue building on that progress, particularly in preparation for pending changes that could drastically affect coverage for thousands of residents in Ventura County.

Applications for this grant initiative opened on February 18, 2026, and will be accepted until April 15, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced on June 1, 2026, and the available funding can be used from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

For potential applicants, GCHP, in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), is hosting two informational webinars. These sessions aim to guide interested parties through the funding opportunity, application process, and expected timeline:

• - February 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. (Register here)
• - March 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. (Register here)

To find out more details or to apply for the grant, visit Gold Coast Health Plan's community grants page.

About Gold Coast Health Plan

Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves approximately 230,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County, connecting them with a network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. Established in 2011, GCHP remains committed to delivering high-quality care and improving member health. Its services play a significant role in the lives of one in three county residents, as well as one in six seniors and one in two children up to the age of five. For more information, visit Gold Coast Health Plan.