OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS The MHNA was one of the most extensive and inclusive member health needs assessments undertaken by CalOptima in its 20-plus-year history. The MHNA engaged more than 6,000 members, providers and community stakeholders by utilizing methods that were comprehensive, engaging and personal. Findings from the MHNA provided data critical to ensuring that CalOptima can continue to meet its mission to provide members with access to quality health care services delivered in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. This section summarizes key findings as well as strategies that CalOptima, health care providers and community partners might consider in ongoing efforts to strengthen the system of care in Orange County.
Members are culturally diverse and want providers who both speak their language and understand their culture. There is an opportunity to build on existing resources in Orange County and deepen cultural competence of providers and services. Partners in culturally focused, community-based organizations can help tailor and implement trainings for providers around specific populations. Such trainings can build language and sensitivity skills and increase content knowledge in areas such as ethnopharmacology (i.e., variations in medication responses in diverse ethnic populations) for staff across the spectrum of care, improving member/ provider interactions and strengthening the workforce. Additionally, patient navigators can provide culturally sensitive assistance and care coordination to link members to services. Lack of knowledge and fear of stigma are key barriers to utilizing mental health services. Language and cultural norms make members from some subgroups less likely to access mental health services than others. Although CalOptima provides mental health coverage, fear of stigma may prevent CalOptima members from seeking mental health services. This presents an opportunity to continue to provide culturally relevant education around mental health to improve understanding of available services and to address fear of stigma many people face. Community partners with deep knowledge of specific cultural communities are eager to offer support to providers to increase the use of mental health services. Additional evidence-based strategies include integrating behavioral health into primary care practice, infusing trauma-informed care into services and providing Mental Health First Aid training throughout the community. Most members are connected to primary care but unsure about what oral health services are covered by CalOptima. In addition to uncertainty, barriers including long wait times, inconvenient hours and unreliable public transportation can make it challenging to receive timely care. CalOptima and its partners can build on foundational resources and strengthen members’ linkages to systems of care. Supporting a centralized organization, such as 211, to link members to available services can help connect members to providers who speak different languages and identify specific services and treatments covered by various plans. When services are not covered, 211 or a similar organization can also connect members to community-based organizations that can support the member in making new connections and accessing appropriate subsidized care. Additionally, patient navigators can provide culturally sensitive assistance and care coordination to link members to services. Remote services, such as telemedicine and school-based health centers, can provide primary, dental and mental health care on-site to students and their families to improve access to care and reduce barriers, such as lack of transportation or long wait times.
66 | Overall Considerations
