Clinicas CEO Issues Statement Concerning Gold Coast Health Plan

Ventura, CA - Roberto Juarez, CEO, Clinicas del Camino Real issued the following statement concerning the decision by the State of California concerning the Gold Coast Health Plan.

“On Thursday, March 3, 2011, the Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) of which I am a Commissioner stated that “the launch of Ventura County’s Medi-Cal managed care program has been delayed from May 1 to July 1, 2011”.  In making its decision, the State of California cited two major concerns: finalization of Gold Coast's provider network; and the system's financial viability.

When contacted by news media, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) accused Clinicas del Camino Real of being unwilling to accept a contract offered by the Gold Coast Health Plan. Further, the DHCS stated that Clinicas had been offered the same contract as everyone else and we (Clinicas) were attempting to obtain something more from GCHP.

As CEO of Clinicas de Camino Real, I categorically deny these statements as untrue, inaccurate and an attempt to cast Clinicas in a negative light for reasons known only by the individual or individuals at GCHP and DHCS who made these charges.

Clinicas will not accept any responsibility in the failure of GCHP to win approval from the State of California of the May 1 launch date despite the desire of some to lay the blame at our doorstep.

Despite Clinicas’ repeated requests for ten months, GCHP never placed an executable contract before us. To say that Clinicas has been unwilling to accept a contract is a misrepresentation of the true facts in this matter. I demand that GCHP and DHCS produce any evidence that supports their allegations.

Clinicas at no time has seen, heard and even smelled anything that comes close to a contract from GCHP. The failure of GCHP agency administrators to secure approval of DHCS is theirs alone.

Clinicas is committed to continue providing quality health care to all eligible patients in Ventura County, all residents without regard to their ability to pay. This is not about money. This is about defending the integrity of Clinicas and we urge those charged with oversight of GCHP and DHCS to pursue a thorough review of the facts that led to this decision and do so in the interest of full disclosure and clarity.”

For More Information
Call Clinicas del Camino Real
805 659-1740