Improving Medi-Cal Renewals and Reducing Procedural Disenrollments in California
Aurrera Health partnered with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) to analyze California’s approach to the Medi-Cal “unwinding” process following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement in March 2023. With nearly 16 million individuals enrolled in Medi-Cal, California faced the challenge of processing more redeterminations than any other state while protecting coverage for eligible members.
Through research, interviews with experts, and stakeholder discussions, Aurrera Health identified California’s key successes, including adoption of federal flexibilities, increased ex parte renewals (also known as auto-renewal), robust outreach, data transparency, and strong partnerships with counties and community-based organizations. The project also highlighted challenges such as the capacity of workers making eligibility determinations, operational inefficiencies, and member confusion. The resulting report shares lessons from California’s experience and outlines policy options to improve Medi-Cal renewals, reduce procedural disenrollments, and strengthen continuity of coverage for eligible Californians.