#USA #Health Equity #Camarillo #NCQA #Gold Coast Health Plan

Gold Coast Health Plan Secures Health Equity Accreditation

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) made an important announcement on September 11, 2025, revealing that they have obtained Health Equity Accreditation (HEA) from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This accolade underscores GCHP’s commitment to meeting the diverse health needs of its members, showcasing its comprehensive understanding of various demographics.

The NCQA, a non-profit organization, has set forth numerous standards that healthcare organizations must meet in areas such as organizational readiness, cultural awareness, and access to language services. The recent evaluation highlighted GCHP's strengths, particularly in how well it has addressed the racial, ethnic, and linguistic needs of its members, earning praise for its knowledgeable and dedicated staff.

Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s CEO, expressed his pride in the accreditation, emphasizing that it reflects the organization’s relentless effort to promote health equity among its members. "Achieving Health Equity Accreditation is a testament to the unwavering commitment we share across the organization to advance health equity for our members," said Dr. Nuñez. He stressed that GCHP will continue to build on this success to ensure it meets the unique needs of its diverse membership.

GCHP’s dedication to health equity is evident in its programs that aim to ensure members have:

• - Access to a wide network of healthcare professionals tailored to meet various health care needs.
• - The ability to communicate in their preferred language when seeking assistance from health professionals or when interacting with GCHP staff.
• - Culturally respectful treatment and services from healthcare providers.

Dr. James Cruz, the Chief Medical Officer of GCHP, also highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, "This is a historic moment for both Gold Coast Health Plan and Ventura County. Health care research consistently shows that advancing health equity helps individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Our members—and the communities they inhabit—stand to gain immensely from this essential work."

As an indicator of their ongoing commitment to quality healthcare, GCHP plans to pursue NCQA Health Plan Accreditation later this year, a prestigious program recognized for its evidence-based framework that emphasizes quality improvement and operational alignment. This accreditation evaluates organizations based on actual clinical performance and consumer experience metrics, thereby serving as a reliable tool for states, employers, and consumers alike.

Starting in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has proudly served approximately 245,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County offering access to a network comprising primary care providers, specialists, behavioral health professionals, and hospitals. Their commitment to improving the health of its members is evident, especially among vulnerable populations, where one in three county residents, one in six seniors, and one in two children under the age of five receive care through them.

To learn more about Gold Coast Health Plan and their commitment to high-quality healthcare access, please visit www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.

About the NCQA

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is dedicated to enhancing healthcare quality and accrediting various health organizations. With an established reputation for comprehensive performance measurement tools such as the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), NCQA offers valuable insights for consumers and employers, guiding them towards informed healthcare choices. Find more information about NCQA at ncqa.org, or connect with them on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.