Health Access Assisters (HAAs)
Welcome to CCHI’s Health Access Assister (HAA) Portal!
CCHI has collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) and partners to create a comprehensive training program for Health Access Assisters, Certified Enrollment Counselors (CECs), and Promotores statewide.
For more information regarding CCHI’s HAA Forums and Training, please contact our Program Assistant, Char Velasco.
TRAINING RESOURCES
Information presented by the California Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) regarding Care Reform (HCR) coverage requirements, eligibility programs under HCR, applications and application processing and discuss key eligibility requirements.
Information presented by HealthCare.gov regarding premium tax credits for Californians, how they work, the challenges in counseling families through the process and how CCHI members can be advocates for eligible families.
Information presented by the National Immigration Law Center that addresses common barriers to health care coverage and how our members can best assist these hard-to-reach populations in accessing services.
Information provided by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to help members learn more about the MAA program, what activities are reimbursable through MAA, and what the program requirements are for participating.
2025 Health Access Assisters of the Year
On April 8th, 2025, CCHI and its members gathered in Downtown Sacramento to honor our 2025 Health Access Assisters of the Year for Northern and Southern California at our Champions for Coverage Awards Event!
CCHI’s Champions for Coverage Awards Event celebrates the tireless dedication of HAAs who conduct crucial enrollment services and make an impact within their organizations and communities.
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WOC Health Benefits Analyst Supervisor at San Mateo County Health Unit
A proud Bay Area native, Monique Aguilar began her career in 2008 as a Community Health Advocate with San Mateo County. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles across County Health, and since 2021, she has led as a Work Out of Class Health Benefits Supervisor with the Health Coverage Unit (HCU).
Monique is known for her unwavering dedication to clients and her team, mentoring new and seasoned Health Application Assistors and leading by example with her signature “gamer” spirit. She goes above and beyond to ensure every client not only receives health coverage but also gains access to needed care—often escalating urgent cases until they are resolved.
Her recent accomplishments include enrolling nearly 470 clients in health programs in FY 23-24, coordinating follow-ups for over 3,000 Medi-Cal HPE visits, and leading the implementation of the new Integr8 Health EPIC case management system. Monique also played a key role in fulfilling the deliverables of the CCHI Older Adult Medi-Cal grant, managing reporting for a 27-person team.
Beyond her work, Monique is a loving wife to Nairobi and proud mom to Diego, Isabella, Julian, Eli, and their beloved pets. She is cherished for her generosity, leadership, and deep commitment to serving her community.
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Health Access Assister at Give for a Smile
Yvonne Lira was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and is the youngest of four siblings. She cherishes the beautiful memories she shared with her family and is deeply grateful to her parents for their unwavering support. Yvonne holds a degree in Marketing from the University of the Valley of Atemajac (Univa) and moved to the United States in 2002. She now resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two children.
Since joining Give for Smile in 2017, Yvonne has embraced her role as a Promotora de Corazón—a community health advocate with heart. The organization has provided her with opportunities to grow and deepen her passion for serving others. Through her work, she connects families with vital services and resources, helping them apply for health programs, find doctors, and improve their overall quality of life.
Yvonne describes herself as noble, driven, and always eager to grow. Whether she’s at a community event, health fair, or conference, she finds purpose in uplifting others—especially those who need it most. For Yvonne, the smiles and gratitude of those she serves are what make her work meaningful and fulfilling.
