LOS ANGELES — Over the past decade, John Baackes has been at the helm of L.A. Care Health Plan, a leading insurer catering to low-income residents of Los Angeles County on Medi-Cal. As the largest Medi-Cal plan in the state, L.A. Care has seen remarkable growth under his leadership.
Baackes, 78, is set to retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of transformation at L.A. Care. Since the expansion of L.A. Care under the Affordable Care Act, the insurer has seen a significant increase in revenue, with nearly 2.6 million members currently covered — almost 900,000 more than when Baackes took charge in 2015.
In an interview with KFF Health News, Baackes highlighted the shift in mindset at L.A. Care from being a big organization to becoming leaders in the industry. He introduced a new administrative structure and cultivated a fresh internal culture to drive this change.
Having previously led the Medicare Advantage business at AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Care in Philadelphia, Baackes arrived in L.A. soon after the ACA was implemented. This period marked the expansion of L.A. Care’s Medi-Cal rolls, along with the introduction of new health plans on the state’s ACA exchange, Covered California.
Recognizing the need for a more robust structure, Baackes reorganized L.A. Care by appointing directors to oversee each health plan and streamlining the chain of command. This strategic overhaul paved the way for greater efficiency and improved operations.
Baackes has navigated challenges with state regulators, notably contesting a $55 million fine imposed on L.A. Care in 2022. Despite such setbacks, he remains committed to advancing healthcare accessibility and affordability in California.
Discussing the future of Medi-Cal, Baackes underlined the critical need to address low provider payments that hinder patient access and choice. Supporting propositions like Proposition 35, he advocates for sustainable funding to enhance Medi-Cal reimbursements and strengthen the healthcare system.
Reflecting on his tenure at L.A. Care, Baackes emphasized the importance of social justice in healthcare. He believes bridging gaps in care and addressing social determinants of health are integral to creating a more equitable system.
This insightful interview with Baackes sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare in California and the urgent need for innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of the population.
As Baackes steps down from his role, his vision for a more inclusive and patient-centric healthcare system will continue to inspire positive change in the industry.
