The Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the CalOptima Ordinance this week that are intended to significantly limit the agency’s participation in the private, commercial health care market.

Under the provisions of the amended Ordinance, CalOptima, Orange County’s Medi-Cal Managed Care agency, will continue to serve low-income populations in state or other publicly-funded programs. However, CalOptima will not participate in the future health care Exchange, offer insurance directly to individuals procuring coverage on their own behalf, offer insurance directly to employer groups seeking coverage for their employees, or participate in joint ventures for these purposes.

The Board’s vote was unanimous. The new provisions in the Ordinance take effect in 30 days.