Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Navigating Medicaid Reform and Community Care with CalOptima CEO Michael Hunn
Aug 2, 2025
Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health, shares his expertise on the imminent changes following the Federal Reconciliation Bill. He discusses strategies to ensure access to care and the significance of managed care partnerships. Hunn emphasizes collaboration and innovation as key factors for Medicaid's long-term sustainability. The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics of Medi-Cal, the impact of federal reforms on healthcare financing, and innovative approaches to streamline services while maintaining quality care for low-income populations.
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CalOptima's Unique Role
- CalOptima Health serves about one million Medi-Cal members in Orange County, California.
- The plan operates as a county-organized system with numerous contracts but no public hospital.
Keep Care Access Now
- Members should continue to access healthcare services now as no immediate benefit or eligibility changes have occurred.
- CalOptima is preparing fiscally for future eligibility changes and maintaining strong reserves against funding interruptions.
Collaboration Key to Reform
- Collaboration between CalOptima and California's health departments is vital for implementing Medicaid changes smoothly.
- Accurate data and actuarial work help predict risk and adjust financing as eligibility changes.