#United States #Los Angeles #CEO #L.A. Care #Martha Santana

L.A. Care Health Plan Welcomes New CEO: Martha Santana-Chin

L.A. Care Health Plan has made a groundbreaking move by appointing Martha Santana-Chin as its new Chief Executive Officer, as confirmed by the Board of Governors on December 5, 2024. This decision marks a historic moment as Santana-Chin becomes the first female and Latina CEO of the organization, which is recognized as the largest publicly operated health plan in the United States.

Martha Santana-Chin brings with her a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, having spent nearly 30 years dedicated to serving underserved communities in Los Angeles County. This dedication stems from her own background, as she is the eldest of nine children and the daughter of immigrants who relied on Medi-Cal during her childhood. Her life experiences have imbued her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families, and she is committed to advocating for equitable access to high-quality healthcare.

Before taking on the role of CEO, Santana-Chin held various leadership positions, most notably her 11-year tenure with Health Net, a Centene company. There, she served as the Plan Chief Product President specifically for the California Market. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her innovative contributions to healthcare, especially in transitioning low-income communities into managed care systems.

In her new capacity as CEO, Santana-Chin is poised to continue her mission of improving healthcare access for all Angelenos. She will oversee L.A. Care’s initiatives, focusing on community welfare and integrated services. The organization has been evolving its approach to tackle complex healthcare needs, emphasizing a whole-person care strategy that encompasses medical, behavioral, and social services.

In her words, “I’m deeply honored to be the next Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care as a representative voice of the people we’re serving. I have a profound sense of responsibility to L.A.’s low-income families and look forward to collaborating with the remarkable team at L.A. Care, its board, and its community stakeholders to continue advancing equity in healthcare.”

Santana-Chin’s appointment succeeds that of John Baackes, the previous CEO, who led L.A. Care for nearly a decade. The Board of Governors highlighted her as the ideal candidate amidst many qualified contenders, praising her extensive expertise in managed care, provider relations, and her exceptional ability to build strong partnerships.

“Her passion for expanding access to healthcare combined with her humility and commitment to building resilient coalitions made her the clear choice to be our next CEO,” stated Al Ballesteros, chair of L.A. Care’s Board of Governors. Santana-Chin's collaborative and team-oriented approach is expected to be pivotal in navigating the intricacies of Los Angeles’ healthcare landscape.

Public leaders have voiced their optimism regarding this historic change in leadership. Hilda Solis, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, expressed confidence that under Santana-Chin's guidance, L.A. Care will continue to serve as a unifying force within the community, ensuring Angelenos receive necessary care when they need it.

In addition to her role as CEO, Santana-Chin serves as Board Chair for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Integrated Healthcare Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from California State University-Long Beach and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, further solidifying her qualifications as she steps into this pivotal role. Martha Santana-Chin will officially begin her leadership at L.A. Care on January 6, 2025. Under her guidance, stakeholders look forward to a new era dedicated to inclusive, efficient, and community-centered healthcare services.

L.A. Care Health Plan is committed to providing access to quality healthcare services for L.A. County's low-income communities, prioritizing quality, access, and inclusion in every aspect of its operations. As a public entity, L.A. Care is dedicated to supporting the necessary safety net required to achieve its mission, offering comprehensive health coverage options including Medi-Cal and L.A. Care Covered™ alongside Medicare and homecare service plans. With Santana-Chin at the helm, the organization aims to continue its impactful work amidst a changing healthcare landscape.