Our 2025 Community Report:
Reflections from our leaders
Kieran Shah, CHPCA
Chair, CenCal Health Board of Directors - and President and CEO, VNA Health
Message from our Board Chair
As the leading Medicaid Managed Care Plan of its kind in the nation, we all share a commitment to the health and well-being of our communities. Together, we proudly serve 1 in 4 residents in San Luis Obispo County and 1 in 3 residents in Santa Barbara County. We believe that our most significant resource lies in the partnerships we cultivate—both with our medical community and with the community members we serve.
The healthcare landscape is profoundly shaped by the relationships we build at the local level—especially with those on the front lines, such as our primary care providers, mental health professionals, community health workers, and community partners, who witness firsthand the impacts of our work. When we collaborate, leveraging each other’s strengths and insights, we can better serve our members, patients, and clients. We can develop solutions that go beyond the standard to address the unique needs of those we serve—with compassion and integrity. Investment in our community’s healthcare safety net is critical, and CenCal Health is committed to walking together with each of our partners for the benefit of the community we serve.
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Equally vital are the voices of our community members. Their experiences and feedback play a crucial role in shaping programs that truly resonate. By fostering open dialogue, we empower individuals to share their stories, helping us create services that are culturally competent and accessible to all.
As I step into the role of Chair of the CenCal Health Board of Directors, I am both honored and energized by the opportunity work with this leadership on the Board, and to collaborate with all of you. Our focus remains on addressing our region's most pressing health needs and opportunities, while continuing to incorporate social determinants of health into our services. Together, we can build a healthier community and ensure you never walk alone.
Your commitment to our mission is what inspires us, and I look forward to our journey. Thank you for your dedication and support.
With gratitude,
Kieran Shah
Marina Owen
Chief Executive Officer, CenCal Health
Message from our Chief Executive Officer
I am pleased to present CenCal Health’s 2025 Community Report, which showcases our dedication to working with you—our partners—to build healthier communities together. As we reflect on our successes and progress from 2024 and early 2025, it’s evident that our collaborations are essential in shaping both the current healthcare landscape and ensuring quality care for our members and communities in the future.
Collaboration has always been essential to our efforts. We believe that true success is not only measured by the quantity of services offered but also by our capacity to work alongside our partners in identifying opportunities and collectively addressing challenges. By partnering with community organizations, local county governments, and healthcare providers, we are able to strengthen the safety net for over 241,000 residents in need. Initiatives such as California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) enhance our role and impact within the communities we serve.
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As you review this report, you will find highlights of key initiatives that exemplify this collaborative spirit, such as the expansion of mental health services for thousands of students through partnerships with local schools and the multi-million-dollar investments in the training and recruitment of healthcare providers. These initiatives are a testament to the commitment of our dedicated partners who strive to promote wellness, resilience, and equitable health outcomes for everyone.
We invite you to join us in further strengthening our partnerships and creating innovative solutions that drive our shared vision of health equity for all.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the quality healthcare they need and deserve!
With gratitude,
Marina Owen
EXPLORE OUR REPORT
Innovation is who we are
CenCal Health is the first Medicaid Managed Care Plan of its kind in the nation. We provide Medicaid (Medi-Cal) coverage to low-income individuals and families in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. We prioritize access to high-quality healthcare services by working closely with committed healthcare providers and community partners.
A community driven health plan dedicated to Local. Quality. Healthcare.
Our mission defines our purpose
To improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve by providing access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for our members.
Our vision drives us forward
To be a trusted leader in advancing health equity so that our communities thrive and achieve optimal health together.
Our values are
who we are
Compassionate Service.
Collaboration.
Integrity.
Improvement.
Healthy neighbors make stronger communities
Providing healthcare access to over 241,000 children, adults, and seniors
Enhancing our communities’ health through partnerships
We are committed to cultivating partnerships that eliminate access barriers and enhance service integration. By collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, we strive to make health services more accessible, better reach our members and extend care beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Reaching our unhoused members: Doctors Without Walls
For nearly 20 years, Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine has provided vital support to our unhoused neighbors. All individuals served are Medi-Cal eligible. In 2022, they became a contracted provider for CenCal Health through the CalAIM initiative, enabling them to receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for the first time. This milestone substantially strengthens their capacity to deliver essential healthcare services directly on the streets.
Investing in local initiatives for a healthier future
Supporting our members and partners through community engagement is central to our service commitment. CenCal Health's Community Benefits initiative focuses on enhancing regional well-being, improving access to essential resources, and promoting health education. In 2024, we proudly allocated over $1.2 million to over 50 nonprofits and agencies. This investment strengthens our local safety net and nurtures healthier communities by offering strategic grants and sponsoring events for local organizations.
Partnering to support local students and foster youth
Collaborating with local schools for mental wellness
The Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program was created to address students' behavioral health needs from an early age. Over the past two years, CenCal Health partnered with local educational agencies in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, transforming mental health services and supporting 40,000 K-12 students in achieving emotional wellness.
Expanding whole-person care for our foster youth members through Enhanced Care Management
Enhanced Care Management is a vital benefit under CalAIM that is designed to support members with complex needs by ensuring seamless coordination among healthcare providers. One of the focus populations is members served by the child welfare system. These members are connected with Lead Care Managers who provide crucial support and coordination, ensuring the child receives wrap-around services. In just 10 months, enrollment in the Enhanced Care Management benefit surged by more than 3,650% for our members served by the child welfare system.
In 2024, CenCal Health assisted a new foster parent who was caring for two siblings, one of whom had suspected behavioral challenges. Through Enhanced Care Management, the parent was able to quickly access early intervention services, including an autism assessment appointment within three days and behavioral health support for the younger sibling.
Local impact of the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program
40,000 students reached through the program.
25,000 students screened for behavioral health needs.
900 students supported in developing social-emotional skills.
750 students received therapy or substance use counseling.
300 school staff were trained to address students' behavioral health needs.
Local providers supporting Medi-Cal:
Our network of care
CenCal Health is proud to collaborate with a diverse network of medical professionals to deliver high-quality care. Our providers deliver a broad spectrum of care, from preventive care to specialized treatments, to address the overall health needs of our members and enhance their well-being.
1,873 Local physicians
1,466 Specialty physicians
41 Federally Qualified Health Center sites
91% of providers would recommend CenCal Health
Our providers deliver high-quality care to over 241,000 members, serving 1 in 3 Santa Barbara County residents and 1 in 4 San Luis Obispo County residents. This includes:
86,620+ children & teens
134,910+ adults
20,540+ seniors
*Membership as of February 2025
Dedicated to providing access for children
CenCal Health is proud to work alongside our local pediatricians to provide comprehensive care for child and teenage members, addressing both their immediate needs and future well-being. In this video, Dr. René Bravo, a dedicated CenCal Health provider and Board member, highlights the crucial role of a local health plan in addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to care for our community's youth.
Supporting healthcare access for all
In 2025, CenCal Health launched the $6 million Medi-Cal Capacity, Access, and Workforce Development Grant Program. Through this three-year initiative, we will collaborate with local providers to enhance healthcare access by recruiting, training, and supporting professionals, ultimately increasing the number of providers in our region and improving the health and well-being of all residents.
“Every medical professional within CenCal Health’s network brings unique skills, a genuine desire to help, and maintains a goal of making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.”
- Nicole Stern, MD, MPH, FACP, FAMSSM, Sansum Clinic
Provider support bolsters quality care
CenCal Health's success underscores the strength of our provider network. By partnering closely with our local medical community, we enhance access to vital services, ensuring that members receive exceptional care and achieve better health outcomes.
Incentives for quality care and health equity
To support the region's healthcare needs, particularly in accessing primary care, CenCal Health launched the Quality Care Incentive Program in March 2022. This program rewards Medi-Cal providers who excel in essential services, such as diabetes and asthma management, cancer screenings, and child/adolescent well visits. To date, $39.6 million has been dispersed to local primary care providers, resulting in significant improvements in areas such as antidepressant management and well-child visit utilization for infants.
We rate in Medicaid in the top 5th percentile for:
Well-child visits for ages 15 months to 30 months (Santa Barbara County)
Members with A1C poor control—lower percentage of members with poor control is better (San Luis Obispo County)
Timeliness of postpartum care
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Ratings are based on the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®). CenCal Health’s HEDIS measurements are independently audited and reported annually to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) to validate the quality of care rendered by our providers. HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the NCQA. HEDIS is a set of standardized performance measures designed to ensure that purchasers and consumers have the information they need to reliably compare health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and manages the evolution of HEDIS®, the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. Click here to view our HEDIS ratings for the measurement period ending on December 31, 2023.
“The Quality Care Incentive Program maximizes medical services by delivering both additional information and funding on behalf of more vulnerable patients. We appreciate what the program can accomplish for CenCal Health members and their families.”
- Richard J. Macias, MD, CEO and President of Central Coast Pediatrics Inc.
Working together to expand CalAIM’s impact
Since July 2022, CenCal Health has partnered with dozens of local organizations and healthcare providers to enhance services through the CalAIM initiative. CalAIM empowers Medi-Cal members by addressing critical social and economic factors that affect health, such as food insecurity and housing instability. Spearheaded by the California Department of Health Care Services, CalAIM represents a transformative strategy to improve the integration of social services within the Medi-Cal program.
Good Samaritan Shelter: A leader in health equity and community support
Since 1987, the Good Samaritan Shelter has aided those facing homelessness and recovering from substance use in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, serving over 4,000 clients annually. As a contracted provider aligned with CenCal Health's vision for health equity, Good Samaritan Shelter offers essential services through the CalAIM initiative, benefiting more than 3,500 members since 2022. In 2024, they received an honorable mention from the Association for Community Affiliated Plans for their outstanding efforts in supporting the safety net.
Picture to the right: Good Samaritan Shelter Executive Director, Sylvia Barnard (left), and CenCal Health CEO, Marina Owen (right).
5Cities Homeless Coalition paves the way to permanent housing
CalAIM plays a critical role in addressing housing instability. Discover how 5Cities Homeless Coalition, a CenCal Health partner, helped Monica find permanent housing, transforming her life after a period of homelessness.
Temporary housing provides path to stability
Kristin, a 5Cities Homeless Coalition client, shares her experience with temporary housing: “When I was on the street, I felt life was not going to move forward for me… When I got the call about moving here, it was a relief that I had an opportunity to get back to a normal life."
CalAIM’s local impact by the numbers
members received Community Supports to address complex factors affecting their health, like lack of food, housing, and substance use.
1,312,545
meals and grocery boxes provided, enhancing nutritional wellness and addressing the complex health needs of members.
$15,313,869
distributed to providers via the Incentive Payment Program to improve members’ access to CalAIM services.
$8,328,357
distributed to service providers to prevent homelessness and enhance housing stability through the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program.
Partnerships fuel State’s innovative housing and health program
The Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program, developed by the California Department of Health Care Services, is a vital part of the CalAIM strategy to combat homelessness. CenCal Health secured approval for our Homelessness Plan in November 2022, channeling $19.4 million to 24 organizations dedicated to aiding the unhoused. Our partnerships with local agencies have impacted over 1,200 individuals through healthcare services, helping more than 3,000 formerly homeless members secure stable housing, with nearly 89% successfully maintaining it.
Mental Well-Being
State leaders, local partners look to transform behavioral health system
California is making strides in addressing a growing mental health crisis, impacting about one in 20 adults and one in 13 children, as reported by the California Department of Health Care Services. In March 2024, voters approved Proposition 1, a transformative legislative package aimed at enhancing the behavioral health care system. The Behavioral Health Transformation initiative is dedicated to modernizing care and ensuring equitable access to services. Through collaboration with counties and organizations like CenCal Health, state leaders are poised to significantly uplift mental health and substance use services for all Californians.
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Supporting the mental and emotional well-being of youth is a key priority of the State under this transformation, as it influences their future success. Initiatives like the Student and Behavioral Health Incentive Program paved the way to enhance access to mental health resources through partnerships with schools and community organizations. Locally, CenCal Health implemented this program with the support of local educational agencies. It has helped thousands of students, including many who received therapy and counseling, highlighting the importance of coordinated, person-centered behavioral wellness strategies.
State goals of the Behavioral Health Transformation initiative include:
1. Improving accountability to achieve tangible results and better outcomes at state and local levels.
2. Increasing transparency for the public.
3. Expanding the capacity of behavioral health facilities.
“The Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program has had an important impact on our middle school students.
As a principal, I speak with students every day who have internalized the impacts of individual and collective trauma – which is exhibited as disconnection from school, peers, and staff. I am thankful that The Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program has partnered with our district to improve our mental health programs to address the well-being of our students and support their parents. These kinds of partnerships help our staff to be more effective and provide additional services to the students in our school that need it the most.”
- Eva Luna, Principal of Lompoc Valley Middle School
Local leaders stand behind State’s Behavioral Health Transformation
During CenCal Health's August 2024 Board of Directors retreat, our leaders discussed California's Behavioral Health Transformation with state and federal representatives. Tyler Sadwith, State Medicaid Director at the California Department of Health Care Services, stressed its crucial role in aiding vulnerable populations dealing with mental health and substance use issues.
Pictured to the left: CenCal Health's Board of Directors and CEO, along with Kerry Branick (bottom far left), Deputy Director of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Tyler Sadwith, State Medicaid Director at the California Department of Health Care Services (bottom far right).
Member experiences shape our commitment to improvement
CenCal Health aims to lead health equity by building meaningful connections with those we serve. Our members’ experiences guide our strategies and drive continuous improvement of the local Medi-Cal Program.
98%
Of members rate customer service
helpful and friendly.
117,000+
Member calls received in 2024.
97%
Of member questions and issues resolved during the first call.
502
Compliments highlighting members’ satisfaction received.
95%
Of members agree service representatives did everything they could to help.
Top 3
Ranked among the top 3 for overall health plan rating for children out of 21 plans in California.
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The results are based on:
The 2024 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Survey Report. CAHPS is a standardized survey instrument used to assess the patient experience of health plan members. CAHPS is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
A survey measuring CenCal Health members' satisfaction.
“As a senior who is blind, I cannot go without my doctor's appointments. Thank you, CenCal; you have saved my life.”
- Enrique S., CenCal Health member
“Our entire family has CenCal Health. My daughter has the biggest smile every time we go see the doctors. We truly feel very comfortable with them, and every time we go, they are very friendly; they are just the best. Thank you so much, CenCal Health! Thank you.”
- Rita R., CenCal Health member
“When it comes to CenCal, I appreciate them taking on the financial burden. They take care of my family. One thing I always love to advocate for CenCal is, ‘Hey, apply, it doesn’t hurt.’"
- Cristina R., Mother of a CenCal Health member
Prop 35:
A historic leap forward in supporting Medi-Cal providers
The resounding voter approval of Proposition 35 in our November 2024 election has established a lasting investment in California's Medi-Cal payments. This measure will significantly bolster our healthcare system by channeling revenue from the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax to Medi-Cal. This tax targets managed care organizations, like CenCal Health, generating essential funds to enhance provider rates and prioritize essential services, including primary, maternal, and mental healthcare. CenCal Health looks forward to collaborating with local providers and the California Department of Health Care Services for implementation.
We are proud to partner with our state and federal trade associations to advocate for initiatives that strengthen Medi-Cal, ensuring all members receive reliable healthcare access.
Investing in our communities’ health and wellness
FISCAL SNAPSHOT:
$348M
distributed to local providers in payments to ensure our members receive timely and high-quality care.
$55M
invested in providing CalAIM services to our members through payments to our providers and community partners.
$108M
contributed monthly to the local economy, primarily through payments to healthcare providers that provide care to Medi-Cal members.
93¢
of every dollar is spent on medical benefits and services provided to our members.
Commitment to service:
Insights from long-standing team members
At CenCal Health, we consider our team our greatest asset—over 400 dedicated professionals who represent our organization’s values both in and out of the workplace. They exemplify these values through compassionate service to our members, providers, and communities. Their unwavering commitment to collaboration, integrity, and service improvement is evident in every interaction. Whether offering vital operational support or participating in community outreach, our team genuinely demonstrates the importance of caring for others.
“As a Senior Provider Services Trainer, I find fulfillment in educating others to improve community health. I am committed to meeting our Provider Network's needs through training, engagement, and building strong collaborative relationships.”
Elizabeth Ginder
Senior Provider Services Trainer
“At CenCal Health, quality standards are foundational for measuring performance. Understanding these indicators allows us to optimize care delivery and enhance health equity, which I’m proud to support in my community.”
Carlos Hernandez
Chief Quality Officer
“In my Data Analytics role, I've witnessed CenCal Health's positive impact on the community. Furthermore, serving on the CEO Advisory Committee allows me to provide insights and support leadership while fostering a valued workplace.”
Allison Piligian
Senior Financial Analyst
“Assisting our members daily, whether via call center or community, fosters connection. I pride myself on respectful, empathetic interactions, knowing they create ripples of positive change, and strive to provide exceptional customer service.”
Diana Robles
Lead Health Navigator
Our Leadership
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![Marina Owen]()
Marina Owen
Chief Executive Officer
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![Maya Heinert, MD, MBA]()
Maya Heinert, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Officer
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![Carlos Hernandez]()
Carlos Hernandez
Chief Quality Officer
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![Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, PhD]()
Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, PhD
CenCal Health Chief Customer Experience Officer & Chief Health Equity Officer
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![Jordan Turetsky, MPH]()
Jordan Turetsky, MPH
Chief Operations Officer
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![Kashina Bishop, CPA]()
Kashina Bishop, CPA
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
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![Karen Kim, JD, MPH]()
Karen Kim, JD, MPH
Chief Compliance & Fraud Prevention Officer
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![Chris Morris, MSOD]()
Chris Morris, MSOD
Chief Performance Officer
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![Kaliki Kantheti]()
Kaliki Kantheti
Vice President of Product Integration
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![Darin Moore]()
Darin Moore
Chief Information Officer
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![Jai Raisinghani]()
Jai Raisinghani
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Our Board of Directors
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![Kieran Shah]()
Kieran Shah, CHPCA
VNA Health
President & CEO, Board Chair
Provider Representative -
![Sue Andersen]()
Sue Andersen
French Hospital Medical Center
(Dignity Health)
President & CEO, Board Vice Chair
Hospital Representative -
![Antonette “Toni” Navarro, LMFT]()
Antonette “Toni” Navarro, LMFT
Santa Barbara County
Behavioral Wellness Director
County Representative -
![Daniel Herlinger]()
Daniel Herlinger
Community Business
Consumer Representative -
![Dawn Ortiz-Legg]()
Dawn Ortiz-Legg
San Luis Obispo County
Board of Supervisors, District 3
County Supervisor -
![Edward Bentley, MD]()
Edward Bentley, MD
Central Coast Medical Association
Santa Barbara County Representative
Provider Representative -
![Edward S. Bentley, MD]()
Joan Hartmann
Santa Barbara County
Board of Supervisors, District 3
County Supervisor -
![Lisa Moore, MA, FACHE]()
Lisa Moore, MA, FACHE
Cottage Health Executive Vice President
& Chief Operating Officer
Hospital Administrator -
![Mouhanad Hammami, MD, MHSA]()
Mouhanad Hammami, MD, MHSA
Santa Barbara County
Public Health Director
County Representative -
![Nicholas Drews, FACHE]()
Nicholas Drews, FACHE
San Luis Obispo County
Health Agency Director
County Representative -
![René Bravo, MD]()
René Bravo, MD
Central Coast Medical Association
San Luis Obispo County Representative
Bravo Pediatrics
Provider Representative -
![Sara Macdonald]()
Sara Macdonald
Santa Barbara County
Medi-Cal Recipient
Consumer Representative
A closing message from our former Board Chair
Mark Lisa
“I believe our members are served by a superb cadre that is second to none. Every day, CenCal Health's efforts help others lead happier, healthier lives and have also saved many lives. While staff will likely never fully realize the scope of their impact on our communities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, thousands of others know and will know for generations to come. Thank you all for allowing me the privilege of being a part of CenCal Health; it has been both professionally and personally rewarding for me.”
CenCal Health Committees
To support optimal health outcomes for our members while also managing funds efficiently and ensuring we meet state/federal policies and regulations, CenCal Health has structured various committees and boards that provide advice and direction regarding health plan operations. The committees and boards include a diverse representation of our community partners, network providers, Board of Directors, employees, as well as members and members’ families.
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The purpose of the CalAIM Santa Barbara County Community Steering Committee is to establish a consistent forum for ongoing collaboration with key community stakeholders. This collaboration includes sharing information, planning and coordinating action to advance Medi-Cal initiatives and transformations, and pursuing a shared delivery system and community health goals.
Committee members:
Arcenio Lopez, Dana Gamble, Daniel Nielson, Joan Hartmann, Ken Triguiero, Mahdi Ashrafian, MaryEllen Rehse, Melissa Debacker, Mona Miyasato, Ron Werft, Scott Black, Sue Andersen, Susan Salcedo, Sylvia Barnard, Tanja Heitman, Toni Navarro
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The purpose of the CalAIM San Luis Obispo County Community Steering Committee is to establish a consistent forum for ongoing collaboration with key community stakeholders. This collaboration includes sharing information, planning and coordinating action to advance Medi-Cal initiatives and transformations, and pursuing a shared delivery system and community health goals.
Committee members:
Anne Robin, David Parro, Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Devin Drake, Erica Ruvalcaba-Heredia, James Brescia, Janna Nichols, Jennifer Griffin, Joel Diringer, Lawren Ramos, Lisa Frazer, Mark Lisa, Nick Drews, Patrick Caster, Penny Borenstein, Ron Castle, Sophia Sosa, Wade Horton, Wendy Wendt
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The Community Advisory Board provides a forum for CenCal Health members, their representatives, and local community agencies to discuss common issues of interest and importance. It also provides valuable feedback and recommendations for improving healthcare delivery, member materials, and policymaking related to the Medi-Cal Program. The Community Advisory Board is a member advisory committee reporting to CenCal Health’s Board of Directors.
Committee members:
Alejandra Lind, Carmin Garcia, Cynthia Guerrero, Dana Gamble, Daniel Hoffman, Dr. Christina Mendoza, Eusebio Soto-Mesa, Eustolia Garcia, Jane Hash, Jennifer Nitzel, Jonathan Nibbio, Maria Avila, Maria Jaurequi-Garcia, Mary Ellen Rehse, Michelle Shoresman, Sara Macdonald, Soledad Soto, Susan Liles, Tamara Broder, Tamika Harris, Veronica Alvarez, Yolanda Navarro
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The Compliance and Oversight Committee is responsible for overseeing CenCal Health’s compliance program and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Committee members:
Antonette Navarro, Daniel Herlinger, Karen Kim, Marina Owen, Nicholas Drews
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The purpose of the Family Advisory Committee is to offer feedback, insights, and perspectives on the services of the California Children’s Services program under the Whole Child Model of the health plan. By actively engaging with the Family Advisory Committee, we can enhance the quality of care and services available to our California Children’s Services members, improve communication and collaboration with the community, and promote a whole-child approach to healthcare delivery.
Committee members:
Ana Cabrera, Ana Stenersen, Ashley Smeester, Daisy Ramirez, Dena Davis, Dorothy Blasing, Edith Diaz, Franchesca Peterson, Gina Stabile, Jane Harpster, Jennifer Griffin, Jennifer Monge, Lynn Bellomi, Mariana Murillo, Natalie Angelo, Pamela Benadiba, Mayra Oseguera, Regina Samson, Tamika Harris, Tanesha Castaneda
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The Pediatric Clinical Advisory Committee was established as part of the Whole Child Model Program implementation to provide guidance on clinical issues related to California Children’s Services conditions, including treatment authorization guidelines. The committee fosters collaboration between California Children’s Services and the broader community, enhances provider awareness, offers recommendations for process improvements, and provides feedback on clinical practice guidelines—all in support of meeting state requirements for the Whole Child Model Program.
Committee members:
Adam Horn, Carl Owada, Cathy Slaughter, Cindy Blifeld, Francesca Peterson, Gowthamy Balakumaran, Jeff Januska, Kara Garcia, Miriam Parsa, Patty Auchard, Rea Goumas, Rhonda Gordon, Shelby Stockdale, Tami Taketani, Tanesha Castaneda
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The Provider Advisory Board facilitates communication and collaboration between the health plan and our network of healthcare providers. The board serves as a platform for providers to share their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations on various aspects of the operations, policies, and programs. By engaging with the Provider Advisory Board, CenCal Health can gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by providers, identify opportunities for improvement, and work together to enhance the quality of care and services delivered to plan members.
Committee members:
Barbara Brown-Ramirez, Dana Goba, Jo Ann Mack, Kathleen Sullivan, Kieran Shah, Mahdi Ashrafian, Marie Moya, Michael Bordofsky, Rahul Vinchhi, Steven Clarke, Yolanda Robles
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The Quality Improvement and Health Equity Committee is responsible for monitoring and enhancing organization-wide quality improvement processes to ensure the delivery of quality customer service and access to high-quality medical services. The committee assures all quality improvement and health equity activities represent the entire range of care provided, including all demographic groups, care settings, and types of service. The Quality Improvement and Health Equity Committee is also CenCal Health’s medical advisory body responsible for evaluating the Quality Improvement and Health Equity Transformation Program policies and reviewing and approving all significant clinical initiatives and programs.
Committee members:
Bethany Blacketer, Carlos Hernandez, Douglas Major, Edward Bentley, Elizabeth Snyder, Jeffrey Kaplan, Jordan Turetsky, Joseph Freeman, Josephine Phyllis Preciado, Marina Owen, Maya Heinert, Mazhar Shaik, Neal Adams, Rachel Lambert, Sara Macdonald, Van Do-Reynoso
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The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee serves as the advisory committee to CenCal Health for the development and implementation of a plan-wide medication management program. The committee is responsible for providing guidance on developing a medical-pharmacy benefit comprised of a physician-administered drug list, appropriate pharmaceutical management procedures, and physician-administered drug clinical criteria to ensure optimal efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of drug therapy. Additionally, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee will serve as the plan’s Drug Utilization Review Board and oversee the plan’s activities to ensure quality medication management that meets the contractual requirements related to the Medi-Cal Drug Utilization Review Program.
Committee members:
Adam Horn, Ali Javanbakht, Cindy Blifeld, Estella Wu, Jeff Januska, Maurina Bartlett, Maya Heinert, Sandeep Anantani, Steve Clarke