The return to pre-pandemic Medi-Cal renewal standards introduced new challenges that required close coordination and shared accountability. The change dramatically reduced automatic renewals across Kern County, increasing the number of members required to complete manual Medi-Cal redeterminations. Due to public health emergency eligibility flexibilities, nearly 80 percent of Medi-Cal members in Kern County were renewed automatically. By mid2025, that rate dropped to less than 40 percent, meaning most members now needed to complete annual renewals manually, many for the first time in more than five years. To protect continuity of care, KFHC partnered closely with Kern County Human Services to support members through the transition. Through daily data sharing and biweekly coordination with county leadership, KFHC identified members approaching renewal deadlines and those eligible for retroactive coverage during the 90-day grace period following disenrollment. KFHC launched a multi-channel outreach effort to meet members where they are, including text messages, mail, phone calls, in-person assistance and the member portal. Renewal data was shared with member-facing staff and providers to embed support across touchpoints, while partnerships with enrollment entities and community-based organizations expanded local assistance. 2025: A Year of Progress and Momentum 11 Strengthening Continuity of Care Through County Collaboration To further strengthen outreach, KFHC implemented an AI-powered phone campaign to increase contact attempts and prioritize members at highest risk of losing coverage. Additional tools at KFHC, including document-scanning kiosks and limited access to the California Statewide Automated Welfare System, helped reduce barriers and improve renewal processing. While the renewal transition presented challenges, it also underscored the strength of county collaboration. Through shared accountability and coordinated action, KFHC and Kern County Human Services helped thousands of families maintain the coverage they rely on during a period of significant change.
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