Transition to Automated CalWIN System in Contra Costa County Could Delay Medi-Cal Benefits

Contra Costa County officials are expecting delays of about six months in issuing some Medi-Cal benefits, providing services and sending out mailings while the county Employment and Human Services Department implements a new automated CalWIN system, the Contra Costa Times reports. County officials say the new system, which launches Aug. 3, will streamline operations -- including calculation of eligibility, management of the county's 90,000 cases and communication with non-English speaking clients.

However, those enrolled in Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services Medi-Cal and several other programs are expected to experience longer waits for all services for the next six months. In addition, the Times reports that mailings from the new system will appear different and could contain mistakes.

Contra Costa County officials said they will not process most new applications for services between July 27 and Aug. 3. However, the county will consider some requests for Medi-Cal benefits, emergency food stamps and cash.

Contra Costa County is the seventh of 18 California counties to implement CalWIN (Felsenfeld, Contra Costa Times, 7/18).

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