CalOptima Health is the largest health insurer in Orange County, and a cornerstone of our overall healthcare system, with nearly one out of every three county residents relying on it for access to healthcare.
For low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, CalOptima is often the only way to see a doctor, fill a prescription, or receive life-saving care. When coverage is lost, care is delayed, emergency rooms become overcrowded, costs rise, and the burden shifts to hospitals and taxpayers. When CalOptima is strong, families are more stable, workers are healthier, and our healthcare safety net is more resilient.
This year, I have the honor of serving as Chair of the CalOptima Health Board. One of my top priorities is ensuring that members can maintain their coverage. That means proactively advising members and providers and making sure no one loses coverage due to administrative barriers created by shifting federal policies.
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Supervisor Sarmiento takes the gavel as new Chair of the Board at CalOptima  Health. Credit Manny Escamilla
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I am also deeply committed to advancing a whole-person approach to health. We know that health outcomes are shaped not only by medical care, but by housing stability, food security, and access to behavioral health services. CalOptima has invested in initiatives such as affordable housing, mobile healthcare for unhoused residents, and expanded behavioral health access. Addressing these needs leads to better, more sustainable health outcomes and ultimately saves public funds.
Strong governance is also essential. I am committed to ensuring that CalOptima operates with the highest ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. As a public entity entrusted with public dollars and public health, earning and maintaining the community’s trust is fundamental.
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With a network of more than 9,000 primary and specialty care providers, 42 hospitals, and 71 community health centers, the plan ensures that residents across the county can access care. I have tremendous appreciation for the role that our providers play in delivering quality care. The commitment of hospitals. clinics, doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and medical and customer service staff does not go unnoticed.
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This year, the Board will also begin a comprehensive national search for a new CEO. Our commitment to access, quality, and equity will guide that process, as we seek a leader with the vision and capacity to navigate an evolving policy and funding landscape.
CalOptima, with $4 billion in annual revenue, plays a role in sustaining our healthcare economy. As the primary payer for Medi-Cal services, it provides a significant source of funding for hospitals, clinics, physicians, and community health centers. These dollars help keep hospital doors open, support tens of thousands of jobs, and ensure providers can serve both Medi-Cal patients and the broader public.
From a fiscal standpoint, CalOptima has demonstrated responsible stewardship, directing more than 92 percent of its spending toward medical services and programs that directly benefit members. This policy positions us well to manage future challenges while ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality care.
But our healthcare system is under real pressure. Deep federal cuts and reductions to Affordable Care Act subsidies could make healthcare more expensive for thousands of OC families. Other Federal policy changes are increasing the risk that residents will lose or face disruptions in coverage. Rapid eligibility shifts, the rollout of twice-yearly renewals, and increasingly complex application requirements are making it harder for people to stay enrolled, even when they qualify.
CalOptima is a pillar of our healthcare system. Our residents deserve a public health plan that delivers care with dignity, cultural responsiveness, and measurable results. As Chair, I am committed to closing coverage gaps, strengthening our provider network, and ensuring CalOptima remains the kind of health plan we would want for ourselves and our families.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento represents the 2nd District on the OC Board of Supervisors and represents the City of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, and Tustin. He serves as Chair of the CalOptima Health Board of Directors.
Opinions expressed in community opinion pieces belong to the authors and not Voice of OC.
Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please email opinions@voiceofoc.org.
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