Health Plan Marks 30 Years of Service with Continued Focus on Community Impact and Access to Care
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (“Health Plan”) marks its 30th anniversary this year, recognizing three decades of service to local communities and a continued commitment to improving access to care for residents across the region.
Since its founding in 1996, Health Plan has grown alongside the communities it serves and the evolution of California’s Medi-Cal program. What began as a locally established health plan serving approximately 40,000 members in San Joaquin County now supports nearly 400,000 members across Alpine, El Dorado, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.
Throughout that growth, Health Plan has remained rooted in its mission to provide accessible, community-based care—working to ensure members can get the services they need, when they need them.
A significant milestone came in 2014 with the expansion into Stanislaus County, increasing access to care for thousands of additional residents. Continued progress followed, including achieving National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) accreditation in 2015, reflecting a commitment to quality and accountability.
In recent years, Health Plan has expanded its reach into Alpine and El Dorado counties as Mountain Valley Health Plan and launched a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), designed to better coordinate care for individuals eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare.
“Reaching 30 years marks a profound milestone that reflects decades of expansion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to equitable, high‑quality care,” said Health Plan’s Chief Executive Officer, Lizeth Granados. “We remain steadfast in our dedication to expanding our support as a trusted local partner so individuals and families can remain confidently connected to the care and services that empower them to thrive.”
A Legacy of Community-Focused Care
Health Plan’s work extends beyond traditional healthcare, supporting programs and partnerships that address the real-life factors that impact health—such as food access, housing stability, preventive care, and chronic disease management.
Through close collaboration with community-based organizations, providers, and local agencies, Health Plan continues to help remove barriers and improve access to culturally responsive, timely care.
“Over the past three decades, we’ve seen how our steadfast dedication to the health of our communities drives meaningful and lasting improvement,” said Health Plan’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari. “That dedication continues to guide how we invest in impactful programs, support our local providers, and move forward with confidence to ensure a healthier, more vibrant future for our region.”
As Health Plan reflects on 30 years of service, the organization remains focused on the future—continuing to strengthen member experience, support providers, and invest in community-based solutions that promote long-term health and well-being.
Throughout the year, Health Plan will highlight stories of community impact, recognize valued partnerships, and share resources to help members stay informed and connected to care.
To learn more about Health Plan, visit www.hpsj-mvhp.org.
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Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan serves over 390,000 members in Alpine, El Dorado, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties. Visit the website at www.HPSJ-MVHP.org
Media Contact:
Vena Ford, Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan, vford@hpsj.com