Community Health Worker Services
As of January 1, 2023, you can get Community Health Worker Services at no cost. A community health worker (CHW) is a person also known by different job titles, such as promotores, community health representatives, navigators, and other non-licensed public health workers, like violence prevention professionals.
They can help you get the health care you need, such as:
- Getting health screenings
- Health education to help you take care of conditions
- Connecting you to services (e.g., interpreters, transportation, food)
- One-on-one support
A CHW can meet with you in-person or online. You can meet either one-on-one or in a group setting.
Who can get the CHW benefit?
If you have Medi-Cal, you can get support from a community health worker at no cost. You can get a CHW if you have a certain health issue or need, such as:
- Need help getting routine care (vaccines, yearly dental visit, well child visit, etc.)
- Have or at risk of having a chronic condition (pre-diabetic, high blood pressure)
- Need help quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco
- Misuse drugs or alcohol
- Do not have housing or food
- Have or think you have a mental disorder
- Are dealing with violence in your relationship
- Had a stressful life event based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences screening
- Went to the emergency room in the last 6 months
- Stayed at a hospital or psychiatric facility in the last 6 months, or at risk of going
- Stayed at a detox facility in the last year
- Had 2 or more missed health visits in the last 6 months
- Been hurt in community violence, or at risk of getting hurt because of community violence
- Being exposed to community violence often
How can I get CHW services?
Talk with your provider if you would like support from a community health worker. Your provider can make sure that you can get CHW services. If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.