Medi-Cal navigator funding applications are due October 30

What happened

Applications released October 1 support two programs. The H.R. 1 Navigators for Clinics program has $5.5 million to help ACA adult-expansion members maintain coverage and understand changing eligibility procedures. Separately, the UIS Transition Navigators program has $8 million in General Funds to help members preserve access while moving from managed care to fee-for-service. The announcement describes navigation support around forthcoming changes; it does not independently establish that every underlying federal eligibility provision starts January 1.

Eligible applicants are community health centers and community organizations that previously delivered navigation through DHCS/CPCA initiatives. Applications are due October 30. CPCA anticipates approximately 8–15 clinic-program grantees and 28–45 UIS-program grantees, with awards of $150,000–$500,000 per direct service entry. These are announced ranges and expectations, rather than awarded grants or guaranteed funding for every applicant. Organizations should confirm eligibility and application details with the program administrator, then match staffing and member outreach to the relevant population; UIS delivery-system assistance and adult-expansion eligibility counseling serve different needs.

Why it matters

Eligibility is limited to community health centers and community organizations that previously provided navigation through DHCS/CPCA initiatives. Announcement of navigator funding does not itself establish every federal eligibility change on January 1.

Implementation playbook

1. Confirm prior-program eligibility and applicable navigator opportunity. Internal target. Patient Access · Due 2026-10-18
2. Submit an application only if the organization elects to pursue the funding opportunity. Finance · Due 2026-10-30

Sources

• Stakeholder News, October 5, 2026Official · California Department of Health Care Services · 2026-10-05 · Source review 2026-10-11