Universal Coverage and Access to Care Grant

The Universal Coverage and Access to Care grant program aims to ensure that all Californians can access medical care when and how they need it. The initiative supports a comprehensive approach that goes beyond passing laws by funding organizations that actively engage communities to educate and enroll eligible individuals in health insurance programs, particularly Medi-Cal and Covered California. Additionally, it addresses barriers faced by people of color and immigrants, ensuring access to comprehensive services such as oral and behavioral health, proximity to medical providers, and culturally and linguistically appropriate care. This grant provides funding for a variety of activities: public policy advocacy, research, organizing, and communications efforts to expand or improve health coverage programs; outreach and enrollment services; post-enrollment support to help patients retain and fully use their benefits; and core or project support for community health centers and clinics that provide primary care services. Smaller and mid-sized clinics are typically eligible for core operating grants to sustain and build capacity, while larger clinics are more likely to receive project support grants, especially for initiatives addressing patients' health-related social needs. Clinics providing oral health care services to low-income adults and seniors are also eligible, whether they are dental-only clinics or primary care clinics offering dental services. Funding is not available for organizations outside of the community health center and clinic system, nor for clinics focusing solely on mental health, substance use, vision care, or disease-specific services such as cancer treatment. General health education on chronic diseases without a strong enrollment support component is not eligible. Similarly, dental clinics that primarily focus on children without efforts to expand adult services are not funded. Organizations that support community health centers and clinics, such as statewide and regional clinic consortia, may also receive funding. Although specific contact information, submission requirements, application questions, and deadlines were not included in the provided information, applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the program’s focus areas to be competitive.