In response to Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment and renewal changes affecting an estimated 44,000 local residents, CenCal Health and a coalition of community partners have launched Central Coast Coverage.
The regional member navigation hub helps eligible individuals keep their health coverage and avoid disruptions in care.
Supported by a $2 million investment from CenCal Health – the region’s Medi-Cal health plan serving some 220,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – the new resource connects residents with navigation assistance, resource guides, and information about Medi-Cal.
Central Coast Coverage was developed through the Regional Member Navigation Hub collaborative, a coordinated effort begun in late 2025 that brought together community-based groups, county agencies and health care organizations to work together on initiatives to keep local residents insured.
The collaboration created Central Coast Coverage, a resource launching as communities prepare for Medi-Cal changes expected in early 2027 that will bring more frequent renewals, work and community service requirements, and coverage transitions for many members.
According to estimates developed by the Social Service departments of both counties, as many as 29,000 Santa Barbara County residents and 15,000 San Luis Obispo County residents are at risk of losing Medi-Cal coverage without re-enrollment support.
“When eligible people lose coverage, they often delay care or turn to emergency departments for health needs that could have been addressed earlier,” said Marina Owen,vCenCal Health CEO.
“We needed a collaborative response because these state and federal policy changes affect every part of our health care system,” said Van Do-Reynoso, chief health equity officer at CenCal Health. “By working together, we can help community members keep the coverage they qualify for and maintain access to essential health care services.”
“Through an online website, one-on-one assistance, multilingual resources and personalized guidance, Central Coast Coverage enables individuals to better understand Medi-Cal notices, complete required forms, address coverage-related questions and navigate other requirements that may affect eligibility,” officials said.
As part of its $2 million investment, CenCal Health provided initial funding to Family Service Agency to establish the multi-faceted member navigation hub.
Since then, CenCal Health has awarded additional grants to Center for Family Strengthening, Health Linkages, San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services, Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services and other community organizations to conduct outreach and expand navigation assistance across the region through Central Coast Coverage.
“Family Service Agency is honored to serve as one of the lead community agencies for Central Coast Coverage, working side by side with local organizations to help our community members stay insured and understand health policy changes that may impact them,” said Lisa Brabo, CEO of Family Service Agency.
Since August 2025, some 18,000 residents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have lost local Medi-Cal coverage, with renewal challenges remaining a leading cause of disenrollment, CenCal Health reports.
Adults ages 22-44 accounted for 41% of disenrollments, despite representing 31% of membership, highlighting a disproportionate loss of coverage among working-age adults, who may face greater challenges completing renewal requirements and maintaining coverage.
Additional eligibility and coverage changes expected in 2027 underscore the importance of outreach and education to help eligible residents maintain coverage. For more, visit CentralCoastCoverage.org.
CenCal Health invites the public to review its annual Community Report at cencalcr.org.