State of Medicare in California
On February 26, 2026, Chapman Consulting proudly hosted its first-ever State of Medicare in California convening in Sacramento. The day brought together 140 leaders from across California’s Medicare and aging ecosystem for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection.
We are grateful to the speakers, sponsors, and attendees who made the day a success.
Check out the Convening photo album to see highlights from the day, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and candid moments. You can view the full agenda here to see the sessions and speakers in detail.
Convening Goals
- Build cross-sector relationships
- Share insights from state and federal policy leaders
- Address practical challenges facing providers and plans Advance equitable, person-centered, and integrated care—especially for dually eligible and undeserved populations
Keynote Highlights
The day opened with inspiring remarks from Lauren Gavin Solis, MPH, Deputy Director, Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration, California Department of Health Care Services, and June Simmons, MSW, President & CEO, Partners in Care Foundation. Together, they set the stage for a day focused on innovation, practical solutions, and cross-sector collaboration.
Morning Panels
Moving from Fragmentation to Coordination in a Changing Landscape
Moderated by Sarah Steenhausen (California Department of Aging), this panel explored challenges Medicare beneficiaries face navigating health care, long-term services, and community programs. Panelists included: Aneliza Del Pinal (Sourcewise), Christy Ann Lau (Partners in Care Foundation), and Katie Panarella (Anthem Blue Cross).
Key takeaways: Social needs screenings, coordinated referrals, and Community Care Hub models can strengthen partnerships and expand service capacity. Since Area Agencies on Aging are already in the home and understand members’ needs, they can be leveraged with meaningful health plan investment to expand impact.
Integrated Care for Medically and Socially Complex Older Adults
Moderated by Val Sheehan (CalPACE), panelists discussed strategies to support older adults with complex medical and social needs: Peter Fitzgerald (National PACE Association), Kate Meyers (California Health Care Foundation), Sarita A. Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA (The SCAN Foundation), and Susan Philip (Department of Healthcare Services).
Key Takeaways: Coordination across PACE programs, home- and community-based services, health plans, and community partners to help older adults remain safely in their homes and communities is key. While piloting new ideas can lead to meaningful change, it is important to focus on scaling the models we already know work well. The ideal to work towards is one team, one system, and one number to call.
Afternoon Panels
Innovative Models to Serve Older Adults with Dementia
Speakers explored caregiver-centered models, including the GUIDE approach: Krista Harrison, PhD (UCSF), Kathy Lee, MPH (Healthcare Consultant/Caregiver), Jane Ogle (Former DHCS & Health Plan Executive), and Yumi Taylor, MD (HōttoCare Dementia Support).
Key Takeaways: Some innovative ideas emerged from this discussion, including: What if we created Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) specifically for dementia? What if hospice support began at dementia diagnosis, not just in the final year of life?
Philanthropy in Action
A conversation with: Rigo J. Saborio, MSG (Archstone Foundation) and Laura Rath, PhD, MSG (Archstone Foundation).
Key Takeaways: Community-based organizations serving older adults are trusted local anchors, but they are stretched thin. The Archstone Foundation is working to bridge the gap between policy decisions and community insight by elevating older adult voices and investing in community capacity.
Next Steps for Dually Eligible Californians: Delivering on the Promise of Integration
Panelists included: Chris Esguerra, MD (Health Plan of San Mateo), Dustin Harper (Institute on Aging), Julianne Holloway (Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan), Rebecca Sullivan (Local Health Plans of California).
Key Takeaways: Panelists discussed opportunities to strengthen Medicare-Medi-Cal integration. Providers often have experience with Medicare or Medi-Cal, but not both, which means they could benefit from clear education. Even as competitors, are there shared tools health plans can build together to reduce provider burden?
Fireside Chat
The day concluded with a fireside chat moderated by Athena Chapman, MPP, President of Chapman Consulting, featuring California’s policy and regulatory leaders: Susan DeMarois (California Department of Aging), Lauren Gavin Solis, MPH (Department of Healthcare Services), and Mary Watanabe (Department of Managed Health Care).
Key Takeaways: The discussion reflected on the future of Medicare coordination in California and the importance of listening to the individual to get feedback on programs that serve them. California has the only office of Medicare and Medicaid integration that incorporates PACE as well, which means the state can be a thought leader for the nation on innovative solutions in this space.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled with the success of our inaugural convening and grateful to everyone who contributed to a day full of learning, connection, and practical insights. This convening is just the beginning—we are excited to continue convening leaders, elevating ideas, and supporting progress across California’s aging and Medicare landscape.
Wanting to join us next time?
We’re planning to bring this convening back in 2027.
More details coming soon!
If you are interested in attending, future sponsorship opportunities, or have suggestions for session topics or themes for 2027, please fill out this form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Photo Gallery
