Local Health Plans of California expands as Medi-Cal transforms

By

Eli Kirshbaum

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As Medi-Cal transforms through CalAIM and other new Medi-Cal programs and benefits, Local Health Plans of California (LHPC) is expanding to provide additional expertise and advocacy for local health plans. The association is adding two new Directors to their team. Trong Le is the new Director of Government Affairs and Jennifer Lopez is filling a new position for the association as the Director of Health Plan Financing.

Trong Le has an established career in Medicaid and Medi-Cal health policy, including his work overseeing the implementation of state initiatives and offering strategic guidance to various health care agencies and community health centers at Manatt Health Consulting and the California Primary Care Association. At CPCA, he provided leadership and direction to the Association, including engagement with state and federal agencies and the design of payment and policy proposals that were advanced through legislative engagement. Le also has experience with LHPC’s mission to promote community-based care through his previous work at Partnership HealthPlan of California.

“I remain guided by my commitment to the safety net and am looking forward to building on my Medicaid expertise as LHPC’s Director of Government Affairs. I am proud to work alongside local plans in their mission to provide equitable, not-for-profit, and community-centered healthcare for millions of Californians,” said Le.

Jennifer Lopez has a longstanding background in the public sector and the Medi-Cal program. During her time as the Chief of the Capitated Rates Development Division at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Lopez acquired a deep knowledge base in Medi-Cal managed care financing and rate development. At the California Department of Finance, she played an instrumental role in major State Budget initiatives, developing public policy positions, and advising administration officials on critical policy matters affecting millions of Californians.

“I am pleased to join LHPC during this exciting time as local plans expand and innovate Medi-Cal managed care. I look forward to CalAIM’s transformative policies and ensuring Medi-Cal rates provide the necessary resources to successfully implement them,” said Lopez.

“We are pleased to welcome Jennifer and Trong to LHPC. Their unique expertise in the Medi-Cal program will be invaluable as we work together to support local plans, which currently serve over 8 million Californians,” said LHPC CEO Linnea Koopmans. “The addition of Le and Lopez highlights LHPC’s continued growth and commitment to California’s local plans as they implement CalAIM, DHCS’s multi-year initiative to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of Medi-Cal beneficiaries through delivery system, program, and payment reform.”

This press release was provided by Local Health Plans of California.