Bakersfield, CA: Kern Health Systems (KHS) has awarded more than $14 million in California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) incentive funds to network providers and community organizations through the CalAIM Incentive Payment Program (IPP). The incentives were awarded to organizations throughout Kern County by Kern Health Systems, which administers Medi-Cal benefits to more than #340,000 members in our community.

The incentive program supports the launch and sustainability of CalAIM – California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal – a multi-year initiative by DHCS to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of individuals on Medi-Cal by reforming and strengthening its clinical delivery system. Specifically, the program supports the implementation and expansion of Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Programs and Community Support Services (CSS) service providers, two key elements of the CalAIM initiative.

“We look forward to supporting this critical work in the community,” said Traco Matthews of Community Action Partnership of Kern.

Kern Health Systems has awarded the IPP funds to #21 network providers and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Through these funds, Kern County will have eight (#8) new ECM Clinics and five (#5) new Community Support Service organizations. This program is not a grant program; funds will flow from DHCS to Kern Health Systems through Providers meeting outlined milestones. Some of the projects these funds will support include:

1. New Enhanced Care Management sites/locations in rural areas such as Tehachapi, California City and East Kern region, Taft, Delano and Lamont/Weedpatch.
2. Hiring and training of both core and support care coordination staff.
3. Implementation and expansion of Community Support Services’ programs such as Respite Care, Recuperative Care sites, short-term post hospitalization beds, Housing navigation and deposits for individuals who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless.
4. Upgrade and integrate electronic health record systems.
5. Purchase computers and software to support program implementation.
6. Create new, short-term post hospitalization housing.

“Our membership currently faces serious health and wellness issues; it really does take more than a primary care visit to make an impact on their condition,” said Kern Health Systems Chief Executive Officer Emily Duran. “Enhanced Care Management and Community Support Services are pieces in a larger puzzle that will help address the social determinants of health for our members, and KHS is aggressively seeking all funds available to invest into our community’s overall health.”

The CalAIM initiative utilizes the Medi-Cal program to help address the multifaceted challenges facing California’s most vulnerable residents; such as individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health care access, and the high-utilizer adult populations who have significant clinical needs.

“On behalf of our team here at Omni Family Health, we appreciate all of the collaboration and effort in getting this accomplished. We look forward to providing expanded ECM services to the community,” said Amber Salcido, Nursing Operational Administer at Omni Family Health.

About Kern Health Systems

Kern Health Systems, the County Health Authority, is an independent public agency that governs Kern Family Health Care, the Health Plan of more than #340,000 members. As a public entity, Kern Health Systems’ mission is dedicated to improving the health status of its members through an integrated managed health care delivery system.

Contact:
Jacquelyn Jans
(661) 332-6025