LACMA's Patient Care Foundation to Present the 2023 Healthcare Champion of the Year Award to John Baackes, at the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards on Dec. 1!
John Baackes, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, has earned the distinguished title of Healthcare Champion of the Year at the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards. With a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, Mr. Baackes currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation's largest publicly operated health plan.
L.A. Care Health Plan is dedicated to providing the residents of Los Angeles County with access to quality and affordable healthcare through various health coverage programs, including Medicaid, L.A. Care Covered™ (California Health Benefit Exchange), L.A. Care Cal MediConnect Plan, and PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan. Mr. Baackes plays a pivotal role in setting the organization's strategic vision and ensuring its successful implementation, working collaboratively with the Board of Governors.
With an extensive background in healthcare leadership, Mr. Baackes has held significant positions, including President of AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Plans, CEO of Senior Whole Health, Senior Vice President for Group Health Incorporated, and President of Kaiser Permanente's Northeast Division, among others. His wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality have made him a driving force in the industry.
Mr. Baackes' impressive accomplishments extend beyond his professional roles, as he actively contributes to various healthcare organizations, including America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), California Association of Health Plans (CAHP), Local Health Plans of California (LHPC), Project Angel Food, Urban Voices Project, and Charles Drew University.
This year, Mr. Baackes is being recognized for his instrumental role in realizing the need to improve Medi-Cal reimbursement rates in the state. He led the discussions in 2022 at a meeting of the Safety Net Coalition, an ecosystem of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and health plans. The Governor signed into law a budget for 2023-2024 that provides the first increase in Medi-Cal funding in 25 years using a resurrected MCO tax.
This esteemed award recognizes Mr. Baackes' exceptional contributions and leadership in healthcare, underlining his commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities in the Los Angeles region. His legacy is a testament to his dedication and unwavering efforts in improving access to care for all.
HEALTHCARE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD | A physician, researcher, policymaker, advocate, philanthropist or other who has lead initiatives to improve healthcare in Los Angeles County through increased patient access to care and treatment, advanced public health education, emboldened physician engagement in underserved communities, promotes the furtherance of professional development for current and future physicians, and whose contributions have shaped the future of healthcare.