The California Department of Health Care Services, counties in the state, and Medi-Cal (Medicaid) managed care plans (MCPs) are ramping up to meet the ambitious objectives of CalAIM, a five-year statewide health care reform plan that centers on a population-based approach, prevention, and whole-person care. Successful collaboration between MCPs and community-based organizations (CBOs) of all sizes will be important to CalAIM’s success, yet barriers exist to creating these collaborations.

CBO networks — groups of CBOs led by a network lead entity, or neutral convener, for the purpose of contracting with a health care organization — may help. This brief focuses on explaining the roles, opportunities, and challenges that CBO networks present in the context of CalAIM. It outlines seven considerations for the potential use of CBO networks, including benefits and hurdles from the perspective of CBOs and MCPs.