Press Release

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May 23, 2013

Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) has been selected to participate in California's health benefit exchange, the state announced today.

CCHP is one of only 13 plans statewide chosen to be offered through Covered California, the new state insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help insure access to health care coverage starting in 2014. The county-operated health plan is part of the integrated health system, Contra Costa Health Services. CCHP has a long history of serving Contra Costa County residents through its extensive county and community contracted provider networks and celebrates its 40th anniversary in July, said CCHP Chief Executive Officer Patricia Tanquary.

"We are very pleased to be able to participate in Covered California. We have been providing health care coverage to our community for 40 years and this helps us to continue doing so, allows our members to keep their doctors and for others to join us," Tanquary said. "Being selected recognizes the quality services we provide and our mission to care for those who are most vulnerable."

Participation in the exchange provides CCHP the opportunity to continue and expand its long legacy of ensuring the community has health care coverage. CCHP was the first county-sponsored health plan in the nation to receive federal qualification and to offer Medicare. CCHP began enrollment of Medi-Cal patients in 1973, and as part of integrated health system, became a model for managed care health plans nationwide. The plan cares for many populations of low-income and vulnerable populations in addition to Medi-Cal and group insurance. Today, CCHP provides coverage to 120,000 people, including county employees, small and large business groups, seniors, people with disabilities, children and low-income patients.

CCHP's two provider networks across Contra Costa County allow members to choose from more than 5,000 contracted physicians and specialists, including providers with Contra Costa Health Services' Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers, and many contracted providers, community clinics and hospitals throughout the community.

Currently, CCHP cares for the county residents in the Low Income Health Plan (LIHP), many of whom will become eligible for Covered California. By participating in the exchange, CCHP is able to offer these LIHP members the opportunity to stay with their current doctor and medical home.

CCHP offers 24/7 Advice Nurse assistance, as well as Case Management and Transition Care nurses to assist patients being discharged from hospitals to receive timely appointments with their doctors. With Contra Costa Health Services, CCHP also implemented an electronic health record last year.

For more information on the Contra Costa Health Plan, visit: www.contracostahealthplan.org and for more information on Covered California and today's announcement, visit: http://www.coveredca.com/

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