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Board OKs data‑sharing MOU with Maximus for Medi‑Cal outreach after cybersecurity questions
Summary
The board approved a non‑financial memorandum of understanding with Maximus Inc. to permit limited data sharing for Medi‑Cal enrollment outreach after public concerns about prior Maximus data breaches and county staff assurance that county systems and policies govern access.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a non‑financial memorandum of understanding on Aug. 13 with Maximus Inc. to allow limited data sharing to support outreach to Medicare/Medi‑Cal beneficiaries and enrollment assistance for managed care plans.
A public commenter raised cybersecurity concerns about Maximus, citing news reports of past breaches. “The Medicare system has been hacked numerous times,” the commenter told the board and urged careful scrutiny before sharing county beneficiary data.
Supervisor Katrina Foley asked county information‑technology staff to confirm safeguards. County CIO Casey Rostenberg said outside parties that interface with county systems must be authorized and that staff would follow up with specific implementation details. Veronica Rodriguez, chief deputy director with the Social Services Agency, said Maximus would not have access to the county’s internal systems; the MOU would enable limited data sharing so Maximus can contact Medicare beneficiaries to help with enrollment.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento recused himself from the vote because of a campaign contribution concern; the record shows an abstention noted in the meeting. The item was moved and carried unanimously among participating members.
County staff said the MOU is consistent with existing state contracting relationships — Maximus is a contracted provider for the California Department of Health Care Services — and that additional operational safeguards and follow‑up were requested by supervisors during discussion.
The board approved the MOU and authorized the county procurement officer or designee to execute the agreement, signaling staff to finalize security and operational details and report back as needed.
