Supervisor Wilma Chan to Launch Hearings on Local Impact of Health Care Reform

In a press release issued by Supervisor Wilma Chan's Office:

Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan today announced that she will launch a series of hearings on the local implementation of health care reform. The first hearing will take place on Monday, Nov. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Oakland, at the Alameda County Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, located at 1221 Oak Street on the fifth floor. 

Monday’s hearing, which will be chaired by Supervisor Chan, will bring together local health care leaders to provide an overview of the Affordable Care Act as well as its impact on Alameda County. 

“Alameda County will see major changes in health care delivery over the coming years,” said Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. “Tens of thousands of people will be newly covered because of health care reform, either through Medi-Cal or private insurance. In anticipation of these changes, I’ve launched a series of hearings that will focus on the local impact of health care reform.” 

“These hearings will help ensure that our community understands these changes and discusses how to best move forward,” continued Supervisor Chan. “Monday’s hearing will provide the foundation for this conversation with an overview of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on Alameda County. I’m looking forward to continuing this series and hearing feedback from our community as well as from local health care experts.”

Speakers at the first hearing will include Richard Thomason, Program Officer, Blue Shield of California Foundation; Alex Briscoe, Agency Director, Alameda County Health Care Services Agency; and Peter Harbage, Former Assistant Secretary for Health for the State of California. 

National health care reform means major changes for health care delivery in Alameda County. By 2018, more than 150,000 people in Alameda County will be newly covered by Medi-Cal or private insurance. Additionally, health care providers are preparing for major delivery system changes, including expanded availability of medical homes and integrated care delivery through accountable care organizations. 

Monday’s hearing will mark the first in a series of hearings led by Supervisor Wilma Chan on the local impact of health care reform. The goal of these hearings is to help Alameda County prepare for the opportunities and challenges associated with health care reform in 2014 and beyond. The format will foster listening and learning about the changes ahead and discussion on how to best move forward as a community.

The hearings will address a different issue area each month, featuring experts and local community health leaders. Topics at future hearings will include acute care, primary care, prevention and innovation, workforce development, and mental health, among others. These discussions will combine the “big picture” with specific local issues and community feedback and generate policy recommendations for Alameda County.