The role of Health Access Assisters (HAAs), along with Navigators and Certified Enrollment Counselors, first emerged in response to the coverage expansions under the Affordable Care Act in 2013. As millions of Californians became newly eligible for health coverage, a strong, community-based workforce was needed to help individuals understand their options, navigate enrollment systems, and maintain coverage. In the years that followed, continued policy changes and eligibility expansions further underscored the importance of having well-trained, trusted assisters embedded in communities.
In response to this evolving landscape, California Coverage & Health Initiatives (CCHI) developed the Health Access Assister (HAA) Curriculum, first launching it in 2021 as a comprehensive, statewide training manual. Designed for eligibility workers, frontline staff, promotores, community health workers (CHWs), and HAAs, the curriculum equips participants with up-to-date knowledge of California health policy, enrollment processes, and best practices for serving diverse populations.
The curriculum has been regularly updated to reflect ongoing changes in the field, with revisions in 2022 and 2023. The 2023 edition marked a key milestone with its translation into Spanish, expanding accessibility and strengthening the ability of assisters to support California’s multilingual communities.
The current version represents the most robust iteration to date. It introduces a new chapter on digital literacy—recognizing the increasing role of technology in accessing care—alongside updated Medi-Cal policy guidance and expanded strategies for working with underserved populations.
To date, more than 650 Health Access Assisters have completed the training and earned certification, helping to build a stronger, more responsive network of professionals committed to advancing health equity across California.
