Eastern Plumas Health Care’s CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) ECM (Enhanced Care Management) program continues to grow thanks to a third round of funding through the Department of Health Care Services. This funding, $1,743,684, will primarily support the renovation of office space, providing five offices, welcome area, break room, bathrooms and conference space, in addition to wages and benefits for a third ECM Case Manager.
“As demand for CalAIM Care Management increases, space to provide services and expand support was quickly becoming a necessity,” said Joanna Garneau, Program Manager at Eastern Plumas Health Care. “This award is going to make this expansion possible.”
Where will this new office go? In a collaborative effort, talks between Garneau’s team and Matt Hamilton, Manager of the Nifty Thrifty, resulted in the decision that the second-floor space above the thrift store would be the perfect location.
Christmas Boutique supporters don’t fear, as this renovation preserves the space dedicated to Nifty Thrifty’s Christmas Boutique and improves the shopping experience while providing much-needed office space.
“The space above the Nifty Thrifty is ideal for many reasons, but most importantly, it will provide a centralized location for CalAIM services and resource coordination for Plumas and Sierra Counties,” said Garneau.
Aside from the central location, the additional space will provide CalAIM clients with a safe, comfortable meeting space and provide resources like use of fax machines, printers and phones to aid clients with their claims and care plans.
Currently serving 54 community members across Plumas and Sierra Counties, EPHC’s CalAIM ECM program helps individuals, covered by Medi-Cal, lead healthier lives. This is accomplished through goal setting, care coordination, and by providing a champion for the individual’s healthcare.
With this third round of funding, EPHC anticipates doubling current membership by the end of 2025. These services directly impact community members who have the highest care needs. Healthier community members contributing to a healthier community are the program’s indirect impacts.
While planning for the renovated space has been decided, details have yet to be determined. Like many renovations, the scope of work, including projected timelines, is still in progress.
As developments for the CalAIM program and additional space for its use occur, Garneau will keep the community informed. If you’d like more information about the CalAIM program now, contact EPHC’s CalAIM team at 530-832-6622 or Joanna Garneau directly at 530-832-6632.
Submitted by Patty Clawson, Special to Sierra Daily News
