$2M initiative offers guidance and education on Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 5, 2026 — 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, a regional member navigation hub that 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 more than 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, CEO of CenCal Health.
“We needed a collaborative response because these state and federal policy changes affect every part of our health care system. By working together, we can help community members keep the coverage they qualify for and maintain access to essential health care services,” said Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, PhD, Chief Health Equity Officer at CenCal Health.
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.
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, Ph.D., CEO of Family Service Agency.
Since August 2025, approximately 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. Adults ages 22 to 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.
More information is available at CentralCoastCoverage.org.
About CenCal Health
CenCal Health is the local Medi-Cal health plan for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, partnering with more than 1,800 physicians as well as hospitals, clinics, and other providers. This locally-managed community health plan delivers care to over 220,000 members—representing one in three residents of Santa Barbara County and one in five residents of San Luis Obispo County. Serving the region’s most vulnerable populations for over four decades, CenCal Health focuses on strengthening provider partnerships, elevating quality for communities, integrating care for better outcomes, and advancing affordable access. With a vision to be a trusted leader in advancing health equity so that communities thrive and achieve optimal health together, CenCal Health invites the public to review its annual Community Report at cencalcr.org.
CenCal Health Contact: Citlaly Santos (805) 685-9525 ext.9274 [email protected]
Media Contact: Sheri Mobley (213) 509-9816 [email protected]