Three decades ago, thoughtful Orange County supervisors, doctors, hospital executives, and civic and nonprofit leaders were concerned about the limited access to medical care among Orange County’s vulnerable, low-income residents. These visionaries cared deeply for the community and joined together to address a fragmented health care system that was characterized by overcrowded emergency rooms, Medi-Cal members waiting too long for appointments, and stigma surrounding the Medi-Cal program and its recipients. In October 1995, they established CalOptima to care for the then 180,000 Medi-Cal members, improving access to health care in Orange County.
This year, CalOptima Health marks its 30th anniversary. Alongside our 1,300 primary care providers, 7,700 specialists, 42 acute and rehabilitation hospitals, 10 large delegated medical groups, and nearly 300 community health centers and long-term care facilities, we are collectively committed to improving the lives of our now nearly 900,000 members. Today, the Medi-Cal program and community are facing uncertainty due to federal and state eligibility changes and budget cuts; these changes will have an impact on our members and providers.
We somehow find ourselves navigating a similar path to what the CalOptima Health founders did 30 years ago: negative individual health outcomes, overburdened emergency departments, a fragmented health care system, and increased uncompensated care and long-term costs. Our community is unsettled, even though changes are months, if not years, away. Be assured, we will navigate the challenges ahead — like so many other challenges in the past 30 years.
The CalOptima Health staff and Board are fully committed to the mission of serving our members with dignity and respect. Our focus will be on collaborating with our community partners, the Orange County Health Care Agency and the County of Orange Social Services Agency, as well as our state and federal regulators and elected officials. Together, we will work to shape the implementation of the Medi-Cal program changes.
Furthermore, we will be launching a $19.8 million multiyear effort to educate our members on how to keep their health care benefits and navigate the new rules ahead, including work requirements and more frequent eligibility renewals. We will do all we can to support eligible members in receiving their benefits.
Finally, we would like to thank all those who have contributed to the health and well-being of our communities, especially for their service to our members and their families. We stand on the shoulders of many who have come before us, and we do not take it for granted. As our motto says, we are “Better. Together.”
Michael Hunn is responsible for the mission and vision of CalOptima Health, serving its members and managing strategic business, network, financial and community planning. He maintains close working relationships with the Board of Directors, providers and community organizations as well as city, county, state and federal elected officials. Prior to joining CalOptima Health in November 2021, Hunn was president and founder of a health care and business advisory firm. He has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in CEO/President roles with hospitals, health systems and now with CalOptima Health. Hunn has been an Orange County resident since 1994.
Opinions expressed in community opinion pieces belong to the authors and not Voice of OC.
Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please email opinions@voiceofoc.org.