It has been eight months since Medi-Cal renewals resumed after the pandemic pause, but there is still a lot of confusion and evidence that Angelenos have lost coverage needlessly. Many did not update their contact information, so they didn’t receive renewal packets. Others simply were unaware of the need to fill out the renewal paperwork. L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net, two Medi-Cal plans in Los Angeles County, are joining forces with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to help spread important information about the resumption of Medi-Cal renewals. They have produced a digital toolkit filled with educational information that is being distributed to school districts all across the county.
The toolkit includes these key messages to help Angelenos avoid a gap in health coverage:
- Update your contact information with the county
- Create or check your online benefitscal.com account
- Check your mail for a renewal packet or notification of automatic renewal
- Complete your renewal form if you get one
The key messages are delivered in a number of communication methods for school districts to use to alert students and parents that the Medi-Cal renewal process resumed when the COVID-19 public health emergency ended last spring. There is a letter to parents that explains exactly what Medi-Cal beneficiaries need to do to maintain their health coverage. There are text message scripts, flyers, and suggested social media posts with graphics. Each communication method tells parents where they can go for help, if needed.
L.A. Care and Health Net wanted to collaborate with schools across the county because students, parents, and guardians see schools as trusted partners. If they receive a message from their school or school district, they are more likely to pay attention. LACOE has been a valuable partner helping the two health plans get this information directly to the school districts.
You can find the toolkit here.