CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) and the Camarillo Health Care District (CHCD) on June 14 announced the signing of a one-year contract to launch a pilot program geared at strengthening the commitment of both organizations to provide quality health care.
“This pilot is part of Gold Coast Health Plan’s community strategy to ensure our members receive the best care possible,” said Dale Villani, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “It will provide the much-needed interventions and services to members when they are being discharged from the hospital.”
Starting August 1, GCHP and CHCD will launch a pilot program designed to reduce avoidable emergency room visits and hospital re-admissions. Through community-based interventions, the program will provide treatment beyond a member’s medical condition, including a focus on the day-to-day improvement of functional abilities, cognitive status and social supports that will allow members to thrive.
In addition to improving 30- to 90-day transition interventions for members discharged from Community Memorial Health System (CMHS), each member will receive an inpatient visit from a transitional health coach, 1 to 3 home visits, and weekly check-in calls following each visit. After members are discharged, home health agencies and other ancillary health care providers involved in the care of the member will collaborate with the program’s staff.
“We are extremely pleased that Gold Coast Health Plan shares our commitment to provide enhanced access to health programs by integrating community, home-based and transitional care services,” said Kara Ralston, CHCD’s chief executive officer. “Working collaboratively, we can prepare and provide person-centered support for members.”
In addition to lowering readmission and emergency room costs, the agreement looks to improve the experience that patients have with post-hospital care, resulting in enhanced patient support, satisfaction and engagement.
“We believe the Camarillo Health Care District will be a great partner and look forward to working with them on clinically innovative strategies for our members,” Villani said.
About Gold Coast Health Plan: Gold Coast Health Plan is an independent public entity created by a Ventura County ordinance and authorized through Federal Legislation. GCHP is not a county agency. The county Board of Supervisors approved implementation of a County Organized Health System (COHS) model, transitioning from fee-for-service Medi-Cal to managed care on June 2, 2009. The purpose of GCHP is to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries, enhance the quality of health care, provide greater access, improve service and provide choice. The Plan provides health benefits to more than 200,000 beneficiaries throughout the county. To learn more about GCHP, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.