CalOptima Health is the biggest health insurer in Orange County. It’s vital for many residents. Roughly one in three people in the county depend on it for medical care.
For families with low incomes, seniors, and those with disabilities, CalOptima’s services are often the only way to access essential healthcare. When someone loses coverage, it can lead to delays in care. This not only affects individuals but can overload emergency rooms and increase costs for everyone. Strong support from CalOptima leads to healthier families and a more stable healthcare system.
This year, I’m proud to chair the CalOptima Health Board. One of my main goals is to help our members keep their coverage, despite changing federal policies that could create hurdles.
I am committed to a whole-person health approach. Health isn’t just about medical care; it also involves access to housing and food, as well as mental health services. CalOptima has started initiatives for affordable housing and mobile healthcare for those without homes. When we meet these broader needs, we see better health outcomes and save public funds.
Good governance is key. I aim to keep CalOptima transparent and accountable. As a trusted public health entity, we must earn the community’s trust.
With over 9,000 healthcare providers, 42 hospitals, and 71 community health centers in our network, CalOptima ensures that residents can get the care they need. I am grateful for our healthcare workers—the doctors, nurses, and staff—who are committed to quality care.
This year, we will search for a new CEO to guide us through changing healthcare policies. Our search will focus on finding a leader who values access, quality, and equity in healthcare.
CalOptima brings in about $4 billion yearly, supporting hospitals and clinics and maintaining jobs in our healthcare economy. Over 92% of our spending goes directly to medical services and programs that benefit our members.
However, our healthcare system faces real challenges. Recent federal cuts and reductions in subsidies could lead to higher costs for many families. Policy changes are making it harder for people to maintain their coverage, especially with new eligibility rules and application processes.
As a central player in our region’s healthcare, CalOptima must deliver care that is respectful, culturally aware, and effective. I am focused on closing gaps in coverage and strengthening our provider network to ensure every resident receives quality health services.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento serves on the OC Board of Supervisors, representing Santa Ana and parts of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, and Tustin. He is also the Chair of the CalOptima Health Board.
The views shared in opinion pieces belong to the authors, not to Voice of OC.
Source link
Affordable Care Act,CalOptima,CalOptima Health,County of Orange,Medi-Cal,opinion,Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
