Kern Health Systems (KHS) offers Community Supports Services (CSS) for Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) members that are eligible. The Community Supports Services program is part of the CalAim initiative, which provides members with wrap-around services to address complex medical and behavioral health needs. The program also addresses social determinants of health which impedes their ability to achieve health goals.
Members who qualify can get help to find housing and with housing needs, get food, and have a safe and clean place to stay after a hospital stay.
If you would like more information, or to find out if the KFHC Member qualifies, please call us at 661-632-1590 option 6 or 1-800-391-2000 option 6. You or the eligible KFHC Member may also be contacted by KHS or our contracted CSS providers to see if they are interested in enrolling into a CSS Program.
KHS network providers may submit an assessment to refer a KFHC member to CSS by logging into their KFHC Provider Portal account.
KFHC Members may qualify for CSS if they are experiencing one of the below conditions.
- Homelessness
- Could be or might become homeless
- Complex health issues
- Disabled
- Behavioral disorder
- Substance use disorder
KHS works with local authority and community service offices to help members get support for housing, food, and other medical support.
Currently, Community Supports Services offers the following services:
Housing Transition Navigation Services
The program assists members in their search for housing options, which includes helping members complete a housing application, securing required documentation, and providing rental payment assistance.
Housing Deposits
The program coordinates and secures one-time housing funds to support independent living. Funds may be utilized to pay security deposits, initial utility fees, medical equipment, and basic household expenses.
Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services
The program provides support and resources to prevent the loss of housing. Support and resources include the education of tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, as well as identifying lease violations (i.e., hoarding).
Short-Term Post-Hospitalization Housing
This program assists members with temporary shelter while recovering from a procedure or illness. During the aftermath, members obtain assistance in gaining housing, which allows them to have a higher level of independence.
Recuperative Care (Medical Respite)
This short-term residential care program helps members continue their recovery following hospitalization and receive post discharge treatment. Other services include transporting members to appointments as well as providing food and housing assistance.
Caregiver Respite Services
The program finds volunteers or paid caretakers to provide in-home services for a member's caregiver, either occasionally or on a regular basis. The services are non-medical in nature.
Medically Supportive Food/Meals/Medically Tailored Meals
This program helps members who experience chronic conditions achieve their nutritional goals by providing healthy meals or supportive nutritional counseling.
Sobering Centers
This program is used as an alternative destination for individuals who are found to be publicly intoxicated and would otherwise be transported to the emergency department or jail.
Asthma Remediation
The program helps members make necessary modifications to their home or living environment, to ensure they can maintain a healthy lifestyle while living with asthma. This may include providing members with air purifiers and other medical supplies.
Nursing Facility Transition/Diversion to Assisted Living Facilitates
The program enables individuals to live in their community and/or avoid institutionalization whenever possible. The goal is to facilitate transitioning the member from the nursing facility back into a home-like setting and/or prevent future skilled nursing facility admissions.
Community Transition Services/Nursing Facility Transition to a Home
The program is designed to help members with financial assistance and information needed to transition from living in medical facilities to living in their own homes. The maximum financial support available is $7,000 per member.
There is no cost to the Member for Community Supports Services.