A Message from John Baackes, Chief Executive Officer
Over the past year, L.A. Care Health Plan's role as an advocate has become more important than ever. Advocating on behalf of our members to ensure they have appropriate access to health care is not new for L.A. Care. But, given the current political climate, I have realized how critical it is that L.A. Care become the voice of its members at local, state and national levels on pressing issues that may have a lasting impact on low-income and vulnerable populations.
With the Trump administration's ongoing threats to jeopardize affordable health care coverage, L.A. Care is more determined than ever to work with partners and coalitions to ensure lawmakers hear us. On behalf of our members and providers, L.A. Care will be vigilant and alert to legislation and regulatory proposals impacting Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, which remains the law of the land. We will seek to oppose, modify or support changes to current regulation as necessary, depending on how such changes impact our members, providers or our ability to serve them.
Doing this is just one of the ways we will continue to elevate health care in Los Angeles County. L.A. Care also is committed to expanding its reach in the community by:
- Adding more Family Resource Centers to the current five – two in the next year, with a goal of 13 total. Having a presence in the communities we serve allows our social workers and case managers to more intimately understand the needs of our members, offering immediate resources and access to care
- Partnering with organizations that focus on the daily needs of our members, like Project Angel Food, whose mission is to feed and nourish the sick as they battle critical illness
- Educating In-Home Supportive Services caregivers of Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries about care management, continuity of care and enhanced communication. Real life skills, including CPR and infection control, are taught in a 10-week series that will help keep these members in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible
As the political climate continues to present challenges, I reaffirm my commitment that L.A. Care will continue to be the voice of our more than two million members and the safety net providers who serve them.