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Board approves ordinance allowing CalOptima to pursue Covered California participation
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a second‑reading ordinance and gave CalOptima Health the green light to pursue participation in Covered California, with supervisors stressing that outreach should prioritize continuity for Medi‑Cal patients who churn in and out of coverage.
The board unanimously adopted an ordinance concerning the Orange County Health Authority and allowed CalOptima Health to start the process of pursuing participation in Covered California.
Doctors and hospital leaders addressed the board in support. Dr. Dylan Tran, CEO of Family Choice Medical Group, said joining Covered California would help patients who lose Medi‑Cal eligibility keep continuity of care: “Many of my patients who lose their Medi‑Cal eligibility have nowhere to turn,” he told supervisors. Peter Baranoff, CEO of KPC Health, representing four Orange County hospitals, said the move would strengthen continuity of care and reduce costly emergency‑room visits.
One public speaker raised fiscal questions and broader state policy concerns about coverage expansions. Supervisors, including Janet Wynne and Vicente Sarmiento, emphasized their expectation that CalOptima’s outreach and enrollment would focus on residents who cycle in and out of Medi‑Cal rather than broad market expansion. A CalOptima representative (identified in the record as Mr. Hun) told the board CalOptima’s guiding principles focus outreach on the churn population.
Supervisor Wynne moved for adoption of the ordinance on second reading with no changes; the motion carried unanimously. Several supervisors asked staff to monitor and report back on outreach plans and financial protections to ensure Medi‑Cal funding remains focused on the county’s most vulnerable residents.
The ordinance allows CalOptima to continue its planning and governance steps required to evaluate participation in Covered California; any enrollment or contractual steps will be subject to further board and regulatory processes.
