The CalOptima Board of Directors received an informational presentation from its staff last week on potential uses for $12.7 million that may be coming to the agency through an Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) with the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, assuming the IGT is approved by CMS.

Staff indicated that six potential initiatives could be funded with the funds: a 24/7 call center, urgent care centers, expanded health information technology, the development of patient-centered medical homes, expanded access to specialty care referrals, and care management. Overall objectives are to create more of a system of care throughout Orange County, to expand the availability of care in appropriate settings. Staff indicated they will return in February with an action item to direct these funds, if forthcoming, for these projects. Responding to staff’s presentation, Supervisor Janet Nguyen and other Board Members sought clarity as to who specifically would manage the funds and the projects, and asked staff to ensure that accountability, anticipated outcomes, and results measurement are included in the recommendation coming back in February for the Board’s approval.

HASC member hospitals voted last month to support the use of the funding for projects that would expand health care infrastructure in the community. A formal HASC position is anticipated based on the member vote once the proposed February Board action is available.