CalAIM Justice-Involved Pre-Release Medi-Cal Application Outreach

The County of Santa Cruz is seeking a community-based organization to provide support for Medi-Cal application completion for justice-involved individuals, particularly those who exit incarceration quickly, are part of the juvenile justice facility, or need additional application support. The selected organization will work with the County's Human Services Department, Probation Department, and Sheriff's Office to enhance coordination and improve access to essential services for individuals transitioning out of jail or juvenile hall. The contract will be funded through the California Department of Health Care Services under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal initiative. Key services include: • Improved Health Care: JI individuals gaining insurance and access to health benefits will be better equipped to secure necessary treatment, medical equipment, and required medications, leading to improved health care outcomes. • Reduction in Justice System Involvement: JI individuals with substance use disorders and mental or behavioral health conditions who gain insurance coverage and access to health benefits are more likely to experience symptom reduction, potentially decreasing their likelihood of further involvement with the justice system. • Increased stability of unhoused JI individuals: Unhoused JI individuals will gain access to housing services and benefit from a coordinated system designed to address emerging health and housing needs. The contract term is expected to be from the date of contract execution through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of four 1-year extensions. The available funding for this project is not to exceed $747,000 for the original contract term.