History of California’s Local Health Plans Webinar
An inside look at the unique past, present and future of local health plans
Register now
September 23, 2026
1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time
An LHPC members-only program
Overview
When California first created the Medi-Cal program more than sixty years ago, it could not have anticipated the significant growth and evolution of managed care that would follow. Today, the Medi-Cal program is the largest of its kind in the nation, serving nearly 14 million Californians. Local plans’ footprint across the managed care delivery system is sizable, covering more than 70% of all enrollees in 51 out of the 58 counties in California.
Join us as we walk through key historical phases that shaped Medi-Cal managed care, the intention behind establishing local plans and how they have become an integral part of California’s health care delivery system. Our upcoming webinar will also feature discussions about recent federal and state policy changes and how local plans are supporting their communities in light of these changes
Expert faculty will discuss:
- How and why the local plan model took shape
- Types and characteristics of local plans
- Role and importance of safety net providers in the development and operation of local health plans
- What makes local plans unique
- How local plans are supporting their communities amid changes to the Medi-Cal program
- And more …
Who should attend:
Health plan staff who are new to managed care, as well as those who are interested in learning about the origin of local health plans, their role in the care delivery system and the value they bring to the communities they serve.
Agenda
Overview
- The Medi-Cal program and the statewide significance of local health plans
The Story Behind the Local Health Plan Model
- When and why local health plans were established
- Phases and models of Medi-Cal managed care
- Key similarities and differences across plan models
- Statutory authorities that shaped the safety net and implications for local plan accountability, structure and operations
How California’s Local Plans are Unique
- How local plans fit in today’s Medi-Cal landscape
- The value of local health plans across California’s most vulnerable communities
- How local plans are working to support members and partners amid ongoing change
Challenges & Opportunities for Local Plans — Panel Discussion
Panelists discuss some of the challenges and opportunities local health plans face in today’s evolving health care environment.
Faculty
Linnea Koopmans
Chief Executive Officer
Local Health Plans of California
Linnea brings many years’ experience working on different aspects of the Medi-Cal program and has particular expertise in behavioral health. Immediately prior to coming to LHPC, Linnea was a Senior Policy Analyst for the County Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA) where she served as the organization’s expert on California’s Section 1915(b) waiver, Section 1115 waiver programs, and the intersection of criminal justice and mental health. She provided successful advocacy on behalf of CBDHA members on state policy, legislative and budget issues. Linnea also previously worked on health care reform implementation for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She started her career working in housing and homelessness in Santa Barbara.
Elizabeth Gibboney
Former Chief Executive Officer
Partnership HealthPlan of California
Elizabeth “Liz” Gibboney is the former Chief Executive Officer of Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) and was responsible for the development and general management of the health plan. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as Deputy CEO and spent eight years as chief operating officer. Liz was integral in five of Partnership’s six expansions from one county in 1994 to 14 counties in 2023.
Caroline Davis
President
Davis Health Strategies, LLC
Caroline Davis is a recognized health policy expert with over 25 years of experience in health care financing, policy development and implementation at the federal, state and local levels, with an emphasis on Medicaid, Medicare and programs for the uninsured. Caroline is the President of Davis Health Strategies, where she works with health care-related organizations focused on improving care for vulnerable and safety-net populations. Previously, Caroline was the Sr. Policy Director for LHPC, where she provided leadership and strategic direction to identify policy and advocacy positions for California’s locally-based health plans. Other former roles include serving as a Senior Consultant at Health Management Associates (HMA), Founder and Senior Operations Manager for the California-based Center to Promote HealthCare Access – now known as Alluma – and as a Program Officer with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF).
Registration
This is an LHPC members-only program.
Fees (per connection)
Members $50
Plan Registration^ $150
^ The plan registration option is available only for plans who wish to invite staff to view the webinar together in the same location (i.e., conference or other meeting room). This option is not available for groups who wish to view the webinar from different locations as individuals will be unable to join from multiple devices.
Registration closes Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Registration Confirmation: Registrants will receive two emails — a registration confirmation email and a separate email that contains access information for the webinar.
Participating in the Webinar: You will only need a computer with an updated web browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Safari is recommended). Participants may opt to listen to the webinar via telephone or device.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation notification must be submitted in writing to institute@lhpc.org seven or more days prior to the course date. Refunds will not be given after that date. Substitutions are encouraged. Payment will be due for registered individuals that do not attend or participate in the event, and for which a cancellation notice is not received.