O.C. Supervisor Sarmiento and CalOptima partner on event to support access to health insurance

ORANGE, Calif. — To raise awareness about Medi-Cal renewal and support families in need, Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and CalOptima Health are hosting a major community event on Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ponderosa Park and Family Resource Center in Anaheim. The event comes at a critical time for ensuring that thousands of Orange County residents maintain their access to health insurance.

Ponderosa Park’s Family Resource Center is located at 320 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) will help attendees renew or enroll in Medi-Cal health insurance coverage or apply for CalFresh, a program offering food benefits. SSA will bring its Mobile Response Vehicle — an office on wheels — and a team of eligibility professionals to support individuals through the complex process of Medi-Cal renewal, which just restarted after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Orange County residents are at risk of losing their health insurance if they don’t respond to renewal notices when they receive them. In-language services will be available.

“I understand that navigating government benefits and renewals can be overwhelming. Join us as we unite as a community to offer support, guidance and opportunities to thrive,” said Supervisor Sarmiento, who is also a CalOptima Health Board member. “Together, we are working to create a strong and resilient community.”

In addition, more than 50 community-based organizations will offer information about their programs for basic needs, early education and mental health as well as services for older adults and people with disabilities. The event will feature a food distribution, a diaper giveaway, opportunity drawings and more. Children will enjoy music and entertainment, including a magician, face painting, balloon twisting and other activities.

“CalOptima Health is grateful for our longstanding partnerships with organizations that serve our
Medi-Cal members with dignity and respect,” said Yunkyung Kim, Chief Operating Officer, CalOptima Health. “This event reflects our shared commitment to advancing community wellness and health equity. CalOptima Health serves the whole person and sees our role as more than health care alone.”

About Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento was elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in November 2022. He represents the Second District, which includes Santa Ana and portions of Garden Grove, Tustin, Orange and Anaheim. Previously, he served the Santa Ana community as a Councilmember from 2008–2020 and as Mayor from 2020–2022. Currently, he is a director for the Orange County Transportation Authority as well as a director for CalOptima Health. For more information, visit https://d2.ocgov.com/supervisor.

About CalOptima Health

A county-organized health system, CalOptima Health provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 990,000 members with a network of more than 9,600 primary care doctors and specialists and 43 acute and rehab hospitals. For more information, visit www.caloptima.org.