Enhanced Care Management
The Kennedy Austin Foundation is a contracted Enhanced Care Management (ECM) provider. We pair members who have complex medical, behavioral, and social needs with a single Lead Care Manager who walks beside them — navigating physical, behavioral, and dental health systems and connecting them to the services that change lives.
What is ECM?
ECM is a state-wide Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan benefit for members with the most complex needs. It replaces fragmented, hard-to-navigate care with a single accountable point of contact — a Lead Care Manager — who knows the member, knows the systems, and stays with them.
ECM is a no-cost benefit for eligible members. Care is delivered in the community — at home, in shelters, in clinics, and over the phone — at whatever pace and place works best for the member.
Goals of ECM
- Improve coordination across health and social services
- Address the social drivers of health (housing, food, transport)
- Reduce duplicated and inappropriate services
- Drive better outcomes for high-need members
Populations of Focus
ECM is for Medi-Cal Managed Care members in one or more of the following populations of focus. Eligibility is confirmed by the member's Managed Care Plan.
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Adults, youth, and families without stable housing.
Justice-Involved Members
Members transitioning from incarceration or with recent justice-system involvement.
High Utilizers of Avoidable Care
Members with frequent hospital, ER, or short-term skilled-nursing visits.
Serious Mental Illness or SUD
Adults and youth with serious mental illness or substance use disorders.
Children & Youth in Need
Children with complex physical, behavioral, developmental, or dental needs.
Pregnant & Postpartum Members
Birthing people in or up to 12 months postpartum with complex needs.
The Seven Core ECM Services
Every ECM provider delivers these seven services, tailored to each member's needs and goals.
Outreach & Engagement
We meet members where they are — at home, in shelters, in clinics — to start the relationship on their terms.
Comprehensive Assessment & Care Plan
A whole-person review of medical, behavioral, dental, and social needs, turned into a personalized care plan.
Enhanced Coordination of Care
Your Lead Care Manager coordinates every appointment, referral, and follow-up across providers.
Health Promotion
Coaching and education on chronic conditions, medications, healthy living, and self-management skills.
Comprehensive Transitional Care
Support during transitions — hospital discharge, leaving incarceration, moving from shelter to housing.
Member & Family Supports
Help for the whole household: caregiver guidance, family education, and grief / crisis support.
Community & Social Support Referrals
Connections to housing, food, transportation, employment, and benefits — the things that drive health.
Refer a Member to ECM
Referrals are accepted from members, family members, providers, and community partners. Use the Managed Care Plan's referral form below.
Adult Referral Form
For members 21 and older.
Child & Youth Referral Form
For members under 21.
We're here to help
Questions about ECM, referrals, or eligibility? Reach out — our team will respond within one business day.
Justice-Involved Liaison
For members transitioning from incarceration, LA Care has a dedicated Justice-Involved liaison.