Community Healthcare Access (OERU)

Community Healthcare Access is a comprehensive program that assists marginalized individuals with obtaining access to healthcare benefits, using those benefits and maintaining coverage for years to come.

Outreach

Health Access Assisters/Specialists reach out to community members in need of assistance through monthly enrollment events held at CHIOC locations throughout Orange County as well as community health fairs. Health Access Assisters/Specialists meet with individuals one-on-one to provide education, answer questions, and address any concerns. The Get Covered School Campaign is an outreach program to educate uninsured students and families about their benefit options and assist them with enrollment. CHIOC Health Access Assisters/Specialists reach out to school principals and staff to inform them about the program, assess student demographics, and develop a strategy to facilitate enrollment for uninsured families. CHIOC Health Access Assisters/Specialists then set up one-on-one meetings with parents to begin the process of enrollment. In addition, CHIOC offers a toll-free 800 number (855) 927-8333, staffed with bilingual Health Access Assisters/Specialists trained in providing complete enrollment support.

Enrollment

Once program participants are educated on the health benefit enrollment process, Health Access Assisters/Specialists assist them with enrolling in coverage through one of the following social service programs. Both the education and enrollment process can be completed in a single visit.

  • CalHEERS system for Covered CA

  • Medi-Cal

  • Kaiser Child Health Plan

  • CalFresh

  • CalWORKs

Care Connections

Following application for benefits, Health Access Assisters/Specialists continue to follow up with applicants to ensure they understand how to get the full benefit of their healthcare coverage and continue to use it for years to come.

  • 2-6 weeks later: Health Access Assisters/Specialists contact a insurance representative to confirm enrollment status — often via conference call including both the applicant and representative.
  • 3-8 weeks later: Once applicants are approved, Health Access Assisters/Specialists help them find primary care providers and dentists, and with scheduling their first appointments.
  • 6 months later: Health Access Assisters/Specialists follow up with enrollees to ensure they have visited their doctor and dentist, and determine whether there are any remaining barriers to receiving care such as transportation, language and/or life-changing events that may alter eligibility.

To learn more or set up an appointment with a Health Access Assister or Specialist, call (855) 927-8333 or email help@chioc.org.