Milestone Marks Local Health Plan's Continued Commitment to Provide Quality Health Care to Underserved Populations in the Community Alameda Alliance for Health has reached a major milestone in its mission to provide quality health care to low-income residents in Alameda County. The Alliance celebrated this achievement at its board meeting recently. Mr. Larry Reddix, a resident of San Leandro, was recognized as the 100,000th Alliance member following the meeting. "My sister recommended the Alliance. She said it's the best plan to join, so I did," said Mr. Reddix. "I like everything the Alliance does. I get the best service. To get medicine or go to the doctor, all you have to do is show your Alliance ID card. You don't have to wait long to be seen. I'm treated like a king! I should have joined a long time ago." The Alliance was established by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and began operations in 1996. It continues to play a vital role in the county's health care system today. The Alliance started with a small staff, just a few members, and only one health plan. Now the Alliance has four plans, each of which addresses a unique population and need in the community. The Alliance continues to find new ways to serve the community by adding new programs and enhancing services for its members. The Alliance was the first health plan in California to pioneer the Two-Plan managed care model--where a locally developed community-based plan competes with a commercial plan to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Different than commercial health plans, community-based plans are smaller, have a board of directors comprised of local representatives including members, and are more connected to and focused on the community. This structure allows for greater local control and flexibility in responding to local needs, as well as transparency. Since its inception, the Alliance has achieved significant growth, and voluntary Medi-Cal enrollments continue to increase at about 13 percent a year. Its continuous growth is a clear indication of the Alliance's ability to successfully serve seniors, persons with disabilities and others in the community. "Alameda Alliance for Health was created by and for the people of Alameda County," said Ingrid Lamirault, CEO of the Alliance. "Over the past 13 years, we have evolved into a well-established organization with a solid track record of providing quality health care to those who need us the most. The Alliance is a testament to what can be done when a community comes together to improve access to health care for low-income and uninsured families. We also have great staff members who embrace our mission." www.alamedaalliance.org www.alliancecompletecare.org