LifeSpring’s Contribution to the CalAIM Commitment

Over 15 million California residents use Medi-Cal as their primary health insurance. This program supports individuals of all ages, serving over a third of the state’s entire population. LifeSpring Home Nutrition proudly and passionately partners with CalOptima to provide healthy meals to those in need through CalAIM.

CalAIM: Compassion and Community

The California Department of Health Care Services launched California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — referred to as CalAIM — in January 2022. According to the Health and Human Services Agency, “CalAIM is a long-term commitment to transform Medi-Cal, making the program more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered to help people maximize their health and life trajectory.”

How Does CalAIM Hope to Help?

Building upon past success, the program seeks to continue advancing healthcare access to Californians. The Department of Health Care Services reveals the plan’s three main objectives:

• Utilize Whole Person Care Approaches while addressing Social Determinants of Health to determine and direct member risks and requirements
• Transform the delivery system and enhance the client experience with payment reform, value-driven strategies, and updated systems
• Increase flexibility to strengthen and simplify the Medi-Cal system

Who Does CalAIM Help?

Created to support unique and complex needs, the program aims to assist individuals of various environments and circumstances. The following list reveals several populations that will benefit from the initiative:

• Individuals battling significant behavioral health conditions such as mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD)
• Those struggling with disabilities or physical health
• Senior citizens
• Individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty
• People transitioning from incarceration
• Youth in foster care services
• Children with complex medical complications

Why Does CalAIM Help?

CalAIM is far from done changing lives; nevertheless, the project has begun leaving footprints in the healthcare industry. The California Health Care Foundation conducted an online survey in September to gauge the program’s success thus far. After only 18 months, the results already indicate several successes:

• More than 90% of implementers agree with the three primary CalAIM goals
• Implementers notice changes in the lives of the people they serve
• A majority report that “overall access to services” has improved
• Many surveyors recognize growth in their ability to coordinate with other organizations, serve, and grow clientele
• Most implementers have found the program’s information-sharing resources helpful

LifeSpring’s Commitment to CalAIM

As the first in California to develop and deliver Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs), LifeSpring Home Nutrition is joining CalOptima to supply fresh food directly to those in need. From the time it was founded in 1996, the business has supplied over 100 million MTMs for healthcare providers, programs, and agencies throughout California.

Medically Tailored Meals

Evidence from the Food is Medicine Coalition proves the positive impact of MTMs on the cost of care and overall health outcomes. The studies reveal a 16% net decrease in healthcare expenditures and a 52% reduction in inpatient hospital admissions.

Furthermore, the MTM intervention can save $38.7 billion in healthcare costs and prevent an estimated 1,154,000 hospitalizations if all eligible individuals participate. This would lead to net savings of $20.6 billion in Medicaid alone in just ten years.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition delivers freezers, tables, meals, and microwaves to homeless centers throughout Orange County. The affordable, balanced, and intentionally designed meals keep customers from all walks of life on their feet and out of the hospitals.

As firm believers that the eating experience should be easy and enjoyable for all, LifeSpring Home Nutrition strives to support and sustain the underserved and overlooked. The wholesome ingredients, convenient service, and affordable prices are combating the global healthcare crisis one meal at a time.

Here are just a few of the available meal selections:

• Puree
• Recovery Boost
• Diabetic Friendly
• Gluten Friendly
• Brain Health
• Heart Healthy
• Renal
• Cancer Support
• Vegetarian
• Halal

As you can see, there are countless options for you to choose from. Each individual has a unique situation, and every customer’s wants and needs are equally valuable. Whether you require dietary accommodations or not, there is a delicious meal that is perfect for you.

Order and Obtain LifeSpring Meals

Anyone with a medical need and Medi-Cal in Orange County has access to the CalAIM program support. Members can receive up to 14 meals a week for 24 weeks, based on individual needs. They may also have the opportunity to participate in a nutritional assessment to further individualize their experience.

With the on-staff registered dietician’s approval and CalOptima’s authorization, you can start ordering and obtaining meals within a week. Referrals can come from providers, friends, community-based organizations, or even the members themselves. Contact LifeSpring with your CalOptima number, birthdate, phone number, and address to get started. It’s as easy as the pie on the menu!

Depending on your location, you may have a few delivery times to choose from; nevertheless, every area in Orange County receives deliveries at least once a week. You will be assigned the same friendly driver each time so you can work together to determine the best way to receive your shipment.

Rest assured, knowing you have fresh meals coming to you weekly in a convenient liner.  Even if you are not home at the delivery time, it is not a problem at all. Your fresh meals will be waiting at your door in a secure bubble wrap bag with dry ice.

CalOptima’s CalAIM plan seeks to advance healthcare services and results for millions of Medi-Cal members in California. LifeSpring Home Nutrition is contributing to the mission by serving medically tailored meals to the aging and unwell. With countless ethnically sensitive and health-conscious choices, we offer delicious and nutritious options for everyone. Not only are the meals planned, prepared, and packaged but they are delivered directly to you by our dedicated drivers. You and your loved ones have the power to choose meals that meet your unique needs. Our convenient and consistent process is the reliable nutritional support you have been searching for. Connect with LifeSpring Home Nutrition today by calling (800) 798-5767 to start receiving fresh meals through CalAIM.