Celebrating
40 years in the community
In 1983, a local pilot program for managed care gave birth to a health insurance plan recognized by The Ford Foundation and Harvard University for its innovation and efficiency. That plan – originally called the Santa Barbara Health Initiative – became known as CenCal Health, the nation’s first locally-administered Medicaid program of its kind. The original nine employees of the Santa Barbara Health Initiative, under the leadership of Santa Barbara County's Health Care Services Director Dr. Lawrence Hart, brought local oversight to the Medi-Cal delivery system.
In 2023, we celebrate our providers and staff for 40 years of service in Santa Barbara County, and our community for 40 years of support.
40 years of partnering to provide healthcare to thousands of members
CenCal Health’s advancement in improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve directly reflects the efforts of local health care professionals who deliver care to our members. Every one of our provider partnerships is essential. Our contracted network includes local primary and specialty providers, all hospitals in both counties, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, distinguished healthcare systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Indian Health Centers, medical groups, and individual physicians.
Through new and established partnerships with local organizations and the health care community, we seek to meet the evolving needs of the local Medi-Cal population. These relationships will be critical in the years ahead. While we have always put the health care for our members first, the long-term vision for CenCal Health is evolving to one that celebrates the pursuit of a more equitable health outcome for all members in the communities we serve. With your continued partnership, the future looks bright.
Fun facts about CenCal Health
01
Among the top 20 Best Places to Work on the Central Coast for four consecutive years.
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
