Gold Coast Health Plan Allocates Over $2 Million in Grants for Community Support Initiatives
In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations, Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has unveiled the recipients of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. With more than $2 million in funding awarded, this initiative is aimed at aiding Medi-Cal members in Ventura County as federal health coverage requirements undergo substantial changes.
Now in its second year, the RISE Grant Program is designed to support various organizations that are directly involved in assisting individuals navigate the complexities of Medi-Cal, particularly with new eligibility, employment, and community engagement stipulations set to take effect in 2027. GCHP’s investment of $2,087,811 will be disbursed among seven selected organizations that have demonstrated a clear commitment and capacity to work with Medi-Cal members effectively. To date, this program has contributed over $13 million to enhance community health services, which includes previous awards amounting to $11.3 million allocated among 16 organizations in 2025.
Dr. Felix Nuñez, the CEO of GCHP, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, "With Medi-Cal changes rolling out over the next year, we want to ensure our providers and community organizations have the resources they need to help members navigate the upcoming changes. Our goal is to minimize coverage disruptions, ensuring eligible members have continuous access to high-quality care and services." This initiative aims not just to maintain existing coverage but to improve the overall health landscape of the community by empowering organizations that serve the public directly.
The grant application was open to various stakeholders including hospitals and community-based organizations that propose projects focused on:
Following a thorough evaluation process held by GCHP in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), seven distinguished organizations were chosen for funding; highlights include:
1. Community Memorial Health System ($386,607): Aiming specifically to improve retention of Medi-Cal coverage, this project will leverage text-based and AI-assisted outreach to engage with members.
2. Conejo Health ($290,197): Their initiative focuses on providing support to over 2,200 at-risk members, including those facing homelessness and severe mental health challenges, offering personalized assistance with the re-enrollment process.
3. Westminster Free Clinic ($235,950): This project targets low-income Latino communities, providing navigation assistance to help members retain coverage.
4. Many Mansions ($92,274): This effort focuses on preventing coverage lapses for low-income and previously homeless individuals by offering on-site enrollment support.
5. Mixteco Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) ($334,217): This initiative aims to equip Indigenous and migrant communities with culturally appropriate outreach and enrollment resources.
6. Ventura County Health Care Agency ($399,823): Focusing on integrating renewal screening into regular healthcare visits, this initiative aims to connect patients at risk of losing coverage to crucial enrollment information.
7. Ventura County Public Health Department ($348,743): Their field-based initiative seeks to directly assist vulnerable residents in maintaining their Medi-Cal coverage by deploying certified counselors to community sites.
Erik Cho, GCHP’s Chief of Staff and Strategy, noted, "Medi-Cal is a lifeline for families throughout Ventura County. By investing in these organizations, we aim to create a supportive network that safeguards members from losing coverage due to a lack of information or understanding of the necessary steps."
This program not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but is a proactive approach to safeguard the health and well-being of the community members who rely on these essential services. For more insights on GCHP's RISE Grant Program and its ongoing community initiatives, please visit their official website at www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/community/grants/rise-grant-program/.
Gold Coast Health Plan continues to prove its dedication to the health of the Ventura County population, which consists of approximately 220,000 Medi-Cal members. With a network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals, GCHP is committed to enhancing health services that cater to the community’s diverse needs. Founded in 2011, the organization has established itself as a cornerstone in the provision of high-quality healthcare access for all residents, including one-third of the county's populace, one-sixth of seniors, and half of the children under five. To explore further about their services, visit www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.
Now in its second year, the RISE Grant Program is designed to support various organizations that are directly involved in assisting individuals navigate the complexities of Medi-Cal, particularly with new eligibility, employment, and community engagement stipulations set to take effect in 2027. GCHP’s investment of $2,087,811 will be disbursed among seven selected organizations that have demonstrated a clear commitment and capacity to work with Medi-Cal members effectively. To date, this program has contributed over $13 million to enhance community health services, which includes previous awards amounting to $11.3 million allocated among 16 organizations in 2025.
Dr. Felix Nuñez, the CEO of GCHP, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, "With Medi-Cal changes rolling out over the next year, we want to ensure our providers and community organizations have the resources they need to help members navigate the upcoming changes. Our goal is to minimize coverage disruptions, ensuring eligible members have continuous access to high-quality care and services." This initiative aims not just to maintain existing coverage but to improve the overall health landscape of the community by empowering organizations that serve the public directly.
The grant application was open to various stakeholders including hospitals and community-based organizations that propose projects focused on:
- - Helping members to maintain their Medi-Cal coverage.
- - Preventing administrative disenrollment.
- - Aiding members to fulfill renewal criteria.
- - Connecting individuals to viable work, training, educational opportunities, and community engagement activities, all while offering culturally and linguistically appropriate resources.
Following a thorough evaluation process held by GCHP in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), seven distinguished organizations were chosen for funding; highlights include:
1. Community Memorial Health System ($386,607): Aiming specifically to improve retention of Medi-Cal coverage, this project will leverage text-based and AI-assisted outreach to engage with members.
2. Conejo Health ($290,197): Their initiative focuses on providing support to over 2,200 at-risk members, including those facing homelessness and severe mental health challenges, offering personalized assistance with the re-enrollment process.
3. Westminster Free Clinic ($235,950): This project targets low-income Latino communities, providing navigation assistance to help members retain coverage.
4. Many Mansions ($92,274): This effort focuses on preventing coverage lapses for low-income and previously homeless individuals by offering on-site enrollment support.
5. Mixteco Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) ($334,217): This initiative aims to equip Indigenous and migrant communities with culturally appropriate outreach and enrollment resources.
6. Ventura County Health Care Agency ($399,823): Focusing on integrating renewal screening into regular healthcare visits, this initiative aims to connect patients at risk of losing coverage to crucial enrollment information.
7. Ventura County Public Health Department ($348,743): Their field-based initiative seeks to directly assist vulnerable residents in maintaining their Medi-Cal coverage by deploying certified counselors to community sites.
Erik Cho, GCHP’s Chief of Staff and Strategy, noted, "Medi-Cal is a lifeline for families throughout Ventura County. By investing in these organizations, we aim to create a supportive network that safeguards members from losing coverage due to a lack of information or understanding of the necessary steps."
This program not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but is a proactive approach to safeguard the health and well-being of the community members who rely on these essential services. For more insights on GCHP's RISE Grant Program and its ongoing community initiatives, please visit their official website at www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/community/grants/rise-grant-program/.
Gold Coast Health Plan continues to prove its dedication to the health of the Ventura County population, which consists of approximately 220,000 Medi-Cal members. With a network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals, GCHP is committed to enhancing health services that cater to the community’s diverse needs. Founded in 2011, the organization has established itself as a cornerstone in the provision of high-quality healthcare access for all residents, including one-third of the county's populace, one-sixth of seniors, and half of the children under five. To explore further about their services, visit www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.
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