(Tysons, Va. – November 10, 2026) – Maximus today announced that the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has reinvested in its 30-year partnership with Maximus to continue advancing the member support experience for the state’s Health Care Options (HCO) program. Since 1997, Maximus has served as California's enrollment broker for HCO, supporting Medi-Cal managed care enrollment through outreach, education, and member support services that help millions of Californians make informed healthcare decisions.
"The Health Care Options program has helped generations of Californians understand their healthcare options and connect with the coverage and care they need," said Ilene Baylinson, General Manager, U.S. Services at Maximus. "We’re proud to continue our partnership with California and move the program forward through innovative solutions that enhance the member experience, support the staff who serve them, and make it easier for Californians to access information and support."
This partnership will advance a new phase of modernization focused on improving both member and employee experiences. Planned enhancements include expanded digital communications, live chat, secure messaging, conversational self-service tools, and AI-enabled support capabilities that provide customer service representatives with real-time guidance and resources.
“Innovation is most impactful when states and their partners work hand in hand to deliver better services for the people they serve,” said Baylinson. "By streamlining routine tasks and equipping staff with the tools they need to better serve members, we create a more efficient and responsive experience for California’s Medi-Cal members."
The HCO program helps Medi-Cal members access information through channels that are convenient, accessible, and easy to use. By expanding digital engagement options while maintaining personalized assistance, DHCS and Maximus will continue working to simplify the enrollment journey, improve access to information, and help members make informed healthcare decisions.