Medi-Cal recipients advised to reconfirm eligibility

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

CenCal Health is encouraging MediCal recipients in Santa Barbara County to reconfirm their eligibility.

On March 31, the temporary suspension of eligibility renewals ended nationwide.

California’s Medi-Cal members are receiving communication this month about their annual redetermination, and they must respond to maintain their benefits.

CenCal Health is the community health plan that partners with local providers to deliver health care services to many residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

“The first series of packets will be sent out on April 20,” Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, chief customer experience and health equity officer for CenCal Health, told the News-Press.

“Members have 60 days to fill it out and return to the Department of Social Services office.

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To complete the renewal application for Medi-Cal, go to www.mybenefitscalwin.org. You can also check www.cencalhealth.org/keep for a list of resources or call the CenCal Health member services

There is a prepaid envelope included for convenience. We are encouraging community members to update their contact info and be ready when the packets are sent out.”

To maintain healthcare coverage, other life changes need to be reported, including changes to income, disability status and family size, according to CenCal Health.

If you are unsure about what to report, contact the local California Department of Social Services office. Account information updates can be done in person, by phone, fax or online.

“We have been working closely with DSS offices, community based organizations and healthcare providers so our members are aware that redetermination has started and can assist members and patients,” Dr. Van Do-Reynoso said. “Our member services department can guide members who call where they can access support at local DSS offices or other partners and provide general guidance for steps members need to take to stay covered.

“We are using a wide variety of tools to support our members,” Dr. Do-Reynoso said.

“We have a pretty comprehensive outreach