CalOptima Health is the largest health insurer in Orange County and nearly one out of every three residents rely on it. With the healthcare system under pressure from federal cuts and policy changes, incoming Board Chair, OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, discusses the challenges and shares his priorities for 2026.
Tag: Affordable Care Act
Posted inCountywide, Top Stories
Supervisor Andrew Do Loses Bid for CalOptima Chair
Do suggested his “ethnicity” had a role in opposition to him, saying the board’s vice chairman unfairly compared him to his former boss, Janet Nguyen.
Posted inTop Stories
Valley Fever Forces Juan Solis to Live His Life in the Shadows
The Bakersfield man contracted the respiratory disease in 2008, but it was misdiagnosed for so long that he developed complications, including skin cancer. These says Solis must avoid all contact with the sun as he fights for his life.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Investigative, News Briefs, Top Stories
CalOptima Slashes Rates Paid for Care of Medi-Cal Patients
The state had instituted raises in anticipation of increased workload due to Affordable Care Act. But the patients weren’t as sick as expected.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Santa Ana, Top Stories
A New Way to Battle Homelessness Gains Traction
Traditionally, chronically homeless people have had to overcome addiction and mental health problems before being eligible for housing programs. But some advocates are now saying that “housing first” is a better route.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, News Briefs, Santa Ana
Health Coverage Enrollment Fair Set for Saturday
With a Sunday deadline looming to sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, those needing help with the process can attend a health fair on Saturday in Santa Ana.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
Storefront Clinics Offer Needed Care But Raise Concerns
Walk-in clinics that take cash and credit cards rather than insurance are a key source of health care in immigrant neighborhoods. Critics say the care provided by the clinics is problematic, though many patients swear by them.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
CalOptima Compliance Exec Leaves in Mid Audit Process
Compliance officer was in charge of making sure medical contractors followed federal and state rules.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Some Immigrants Remain Wary of Obamacare
Fear of deportation among families with mixed immigration status is hindering enrollment rates among Latinos.
Posted inCountywide, Health & Wellness, Top Stories, Transportation
More Have Dental Benefits, But Where Are the Dentists?
The Affordable Care Act and an expansion of Medi-Cal mean more low-income people have dental coverage. Yet not everyone can find a dentist who will see them.
