California can strengthen its use of payment as a tool to drive performance improvements and create greater value in the Medi-Cal program, and to enhance care for Medi-Cal's more than 13 million members.

Chris Perrone, director of CHCF's Improving Access team, told the California Legislature how Medi-Cal expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has affected access to care for people who rely on the program.

Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. jolted Wall Street with a joint venture designed to reduce health care costs. Technology alone is not sufficient to solve the cost problem. Leaders also need to pull policy levers, fix payment systems, and spark collaboration between purchasers.

The California Health Care Foundation's newest board member is Carolina Reyes, an obstetrician recognized nationwide for her efforts to improve the care of women with high-risk pregnancies — especially those in medically underserved communities.