What is CalAIM?

California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) is a statewide initiative led by the California Department of Health Care Services to improve how care is delivered to Medi-Cal members. The program focuses on providing whole-person, coordinated care that goes beyond traditional medical treatment. It aims to address both health and social needs—helping individuals live healthier, more independent lives.

CalAIM is especially geared toward individuals facing complex medical and social challenges, including older adults, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, behavioral health concerns, and other life hardships. By integrating services and removing barriers to care, CalAIM is creating a more equitable and responsive healthcare system for vulnerable populations.

How Does CalAIM Work?

CalAIM introduces new services and delivery models that ensure Medi-Cal members receive care tailored to their specific circumstances. Two of the program’s key components include:

Enhanced Care Management (ECM): This service offers intensive care coordination for people with complex health and social needs. Care managers work closely with individuals to navigate medical care, behavioral health services, housing, and other community resources.
Community Supports: These are nonmedical services that address social factors impacting health—such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation challenges, and the need for in-home support. Community Supports help individuals remain safely in their homes and communities, improving their long-term well-being.

Eligible individuals are identified through referrals, assessments, or healthcare providers. Once enrolled, they receive a customized care plan designed to link them to the most appropriate services and supports based on their needs.

Who Can Benefit from CalAIM?

CalAIM is designed to support a wide range of Medi-Cal members who require extra help navigating their health and daily lives. This includes:

Seniors and people with disabilities
Individuals with chronic or behavioral health conditions
People experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
Families and caregivers needing additional support
Youth and children with complex care needs
Individuals transitioning from incarceration or institutional care

This broad approach ensures that CalAIM supports people at different life stages, helping them achieve greater stability, dignity, and health.

Why CalAIM Matters for Older Adults

Seniors, in particular, benefit significantly from CalAIM’s integrated care model. Many older adults face overlapping health conditions and challenges related to mobility, isolation, and access to care. CalAIM helps address these concerns by offering:

Coordinated Medical and Social Support: By aligning medical care with services like transportation, home modifications, and personal care assistance, CalAIM helps older adults live more independently.
Support to Age in Place: Many seniors prefer to remain at home rather than move into nursing facilities. CalAIM makes this possible by connecting them to nonmedical home care services that promote safety and comfort.
Reduced Hospital Visits: Early intervention and proactive support help minimize avoidable emergency room visits or hospital readmissions.
Respite for Caregivers: CalAIM recognizes the essential role of family caregivers and provides services to ease their burden and prevent burnout.
Improved Daily Living: Services that assist with grooming, meals, light housekeeping, and companionship greatly enhance a senior’s quality of life.

Home Care Services Through CalAIM

One of the most impactful elements of CalAIM is its support for in-home care. Through Community Supports, eligible Medi-Cal members may receive assistance with:

Activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Home safety assistance and mobility support
Temporary relief for family caregivers
Social engagement and companionship

These services are coordinated by CalAIM care managers and delivered by trusted community-based providers, helping individuals stay in familiar environments while receiving the care they need.

Getting Started with CalAIM

If you or someone you care about is a Medi-Cal member facing complex medical or social challenges, CalAIM may offer valuable support to improve quality of life and independence. The first step is to connect with your Medi-Cal health plan or assigned care manager. They can help determine eligibility for CalAIM services based on your individual needs and guide you through the enrollment process.

You can also reach out to local community organizations, social workers, or healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about CalAIM and can assist with referrals. Once enrolled, a care manager will work with you to conduct a comprehensive assessment, develop a personalized care plan, and coordinate access to both medical care and community supports such as home care, transportation, or housing assistance.

Understanding the benefits available through CalAIM can empower you and your family to make informed decisions and access resources that support aging in place, managing chronic conditions, or navigating behavioral health needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help navigating this system—support is available to help you every step of the way.