LOS ANGELES – L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, is pleased to announce the promotion of Afzal Shah to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Shah had been the health plan’s Deputy CFO under Marie Montgomery, who retired after seven years in the position. Shah brings more than 28 years of strategic healthcare experience with Medicaid and Medicare products to the health plan.
“Shah has expertise in the area of Medi-Cal rate setting, which is critical to the work at L.A. Care. He also has a wealth of knowledge on provider reimbursement and risk-sharing methodologies,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “Since joining L.A. Care last spring, Shah has provided valuable assistance in financial analysis.”
Prior to joining L.A. Care, Shah worked at Alignment Healthcare, where he served as Senior Vice President, California Market President. Previously, he was Vice President for Actuarial Services at Health Net and Centene, giving him knowledge about the Los Angeles County market.
“I am committed to providing high-quality healthcare to Los Angeles County’s vulnerable and low-income communities and residents,” said Shah. “I am humbled, honored and excited to be given this opportunity to work for a mission-based company like L.A. Care.”
Shah holds a BA in Physics and Mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. He earned a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Southern California. He is also an Associate of the Society of Actuaries.