Thu. Nov 21st, 2024

Sup. Andrew Do Seeks Public’s Input on Changes to CalOptima Board

Proposal Will Be Considered at January 26 Board of Supervisors meeting

(Santa Ana, California)— Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is seeking the public’s input on proposed changes to the management structure of CalOptima, the county’s health care system for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities.

At its January 26 meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider changes designed to ensure proper oversight and management of the $3.2 billion health care program.

Supervisor Andrew Do said he posted a copy of the proposed changes on his website – in advance of the standard agenda staff report process- in order to give the public time to review and evaluate the proposed changes as well provide their own ideas for enhancing accountability.

“I look forward to hearing the public’s input on these proposed changes and welcome ideas for how we can increase oversight and accountability at CalOptima,” said Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. “The best way to ensure accountability is for the public to be engaged and involved in every step of the process.”

The public can provide comments to Supervisor Andrew Do by:

1. Calling the First District office at (714) 834-3110
2. Emailing Andrew.Do@ocgov.com
3. Appearing at the Board of Supervisors meeting on January 26
4. Engaging on Twitter @AndrewDoOC & Facebook.com/OCSupervisorAndrewDo

CalOptima has made progress in recent years following critical state and federal audits. Last February, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services formally lifted sanctions after a federal audit identified systemic performance issues at the agency. In September, CalOptima was recognized as the highest-rated Medi-Cal plan by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Supervisor Andrew Do highlighted changes that he believes will increase accountability of the agency. Among the changes to CalOptima’s management supported by Supervisor Andrew Do:

  • New provision to grant the Orange County Supervisor with the greatest number of CalOptima members the option to serve on the CalOptima Board of Directors
  • Plan to transition the Health Care Agency Director from a voting to non-voting member.

“These two changes will give taxpayers more power to hold their elected officials and government agencies accountable,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who currently represents the largest number of CalOptima members.

As Orange County’s largest health insurer, CalOptima provides health care coverage to more than 773,000 people through four major programs:

  1. Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid Program) for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities
  2. OneCare (HMO SNP) (Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan) for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal
  3. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) for older adults, providing comprehensive health services through the CalOptima PACE center
  4. OneCare Connect Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, combining Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits, adding supplemental benefits for vision, transportation and dental services, and providing comprehensive care coordination.

A copy of the proposed ordinance.
A copy of the draft Agenda Staff Report.

A former Orange County prosecutor, Supervisor Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Midway City, Santa Ana and Westminster.

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author avatar
Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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