MCPs seeking to improve care for Medi-Cal members can incorporate CHW/Ps into programs either by directly employing CHW/Ps or by contracting with partner organizations such as providers and CBOs that employ them. (This Resource Center refers to these programs as “CHW/P programs.”) CHW/Ps can help identify member health and social needs and connect members with medical, behavioral health, and social services. CHW/Ps are especially well positioned to support MCP goals related to ECM and ILOS benefits, due both to state requirements that MCPs engage with community-based providers and to the unique strengths that CHW/Ps bring in serving those with complex health and social needs.

As MCPs look to incorporate CHW/Ps into program approaches, they will need to understand their priority populations and identify program goals and needed services. MCPs can then assess potential partners that employ CHW/Ps, develop strong partnerships, and implement financing approaches to sustain this workforce. Implementation approaches covered in this section include the following:

• Program design and development
• Partnerships between MCPs and CHW/P programs
• Program financial sustainability

This section also discusses potential challenges and solutions and contains resources and tools on related topics.

For full detail, access the “Developing and Financing CHW/P Programs and Partnerships” (PDF) section of the Resource Guide.