John Baackes Is Being Recognized for His Work to Raise Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates
LOS ANGELES – The Patient Care Foundation of Los Angeles County, which is the charitable arm of the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA), is holding its 11th Annual Healthcare Awards tomorrow night, and John Baackes, the CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, is among the honorees. The awards honor top healthcare leaders, physicians and institutions for their work to improve healthcare in Los Angeles County. Baackes is specifically being recognized for his instrumental role helping to get the first increase in Medi-Cal funding in 25 years.
“Understanding the critical need to raise Medi-Cal reimbursement rates to keep physicians in the L.A. County safety net, Baackes brought together an ecosystem of doctors, hospitals, clinics and health plans to begin discussions on the way forward,” said Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO of LACMA. “Those 2022 discussions grew to include stakeholders statewide, and it ultimately resulted in a state budget that increased Medi-Cal funding.”
The effort illustrates Baackes’ commitment over a 45+ year career to improving access to health care for all.
“In that past, the various sectors in health care would travel to Sacramento, each fighting for funding for their sector,” said Baackes. “The truth is, we all needed the same thing, and we were stronger fighting together. I am grateful for recognition about an effort this is ultimately is going to mean better health outcomes for L.A. Care members and their communities.”
Other awardees at the celebration include St. John’s Community Health, City of Hope and William D. King, MD, JD. In addition to honoring health care leaders in Los Angeles County, the Patient Care Foundation will be announcing its latest scholarships given to inner-city graduates to minimize the financial obstacles to attending medical school.