Enhanced Care Management

We offer enhanced support to local Medi-Cal recipients of all ages with complex medical and social needs through a dedicated bilingual, bicultural care manager, helping them improve their health, well-being, and overall quality of life. (Para español, desplácese hacia abajo y en el icono de Google seleccione “Spanish.” La información estará traducida a partir de allí.)

Comprehensive Care for Medi-Cal's Highest-Need Members

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is a California-wide Medi-Cal benefit designed to support members with complex medical and social needs. This program assigns a lead care manager to each ECM member, and that care manager coordinates every aspect of the member’s care, from physical and mental health to practical supports. ECM ensures that members receive the right care at the right time and in the right setting, making comprehensive health management easier and more effective.

At Community Bridges, we implement ECM by building trusting relationships with the highest-need Medi-Cal members and delivering tangible, transformative results. Care managers meet clients wherever they are—whether at home, a doctor’s office, in shelters, or anywhere else in the community—to ensure that their unique needs are met. Our ECM services are provided in coordination with Community Bridges programs, including Elderday Adult Day Health Care, WIC, and the Family Resource Collective.

In addition, ECM members are connected to Community Supports and social services such as housing, transportation, and food, all of which promotes members’ safety and well-being and helps them to recover and maintain their health and independence.

Who Qualifies for ECM?

Medi-Cal members in complex medical situations who belong to any of the following groups:

People experiencing homelessness

Those who need help avoiding preventable ER visits or hospitalizations

Individuals with serious mental health or substance use disorders

People transitioning out of incarceration

Those at risk of long-term skilled nursing placement

Individuals moving from nursing facilities back into the community

Children/families involved in child welfare or California Children’s Services

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Pregnant and postpartum individuals

What Services Do We Provide?

Our care managers advocate for clients by coordinating medical care and providing access to essential social support. Our services include:

Scheduling and transportation for medical appointments
Referrals to and assistance with community resources, such as food, housing, and public benefits (CalFresh, SSI/SSDI, and disability income)
Help with medication management and acquisition of medical equipment
Coordinate care between providers
Help with understanding your medical condition and care needs
Support during the transition between hospital and home
Access to mental health services and treatment programs
Legal support referrals

How Do We Provide Services?

We serve clients in Santa Cruz County with plans to expand to Monterey and San Benito Counties. Services are provided wherever it’s most convenient for clients, whether at home, the ECM office, a doctor’s office, or other places of their choosing.

All ECM services are fully covered by the Medi-Cal CalAIM program, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for eligible members.

If you think you or someone you know may qualify for ECM services, please contact us at 831-688-8840 ext. 4020 or StevenW@cbridges.org. You can also visit our offices at 521 Main Street in downtown Watsonville for assistance.