CAMARILLO, Calif., Dec. 29, 2017 – Gold Coast Health Plan’s (GCHP) new palliative care program, MyGoldCare, launches January 1 for qualified enrollees. MyGoldCare helps relieve the pain and suffering of those who are seriously ill.

The palliative care benefit – mandated under Senate Bill 1004 and signed into state law in 2014 – focuses on enrollees who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to help members and their families better cope with medical, emotional, social and spiritual challenges they may be facing because of their illness. It also aims to improve their quality of life while reducing hospital and emergency room visits due to the pain associated with their condition.

“Gold Coast Health Plan’s MyGoldCare program is extremely important,” said Dr. Nancy Wharfield, GCHP’s chief medical officer. “Palliative care will alleviate a lot of stress and pain for some of our sickest members. It allows patients and their families to deal with the challenges of a serious illness.”

The benefit is available for GCHP members diagnosed with advanced cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and liver disease. While receiving the palliative care benefit, members can remain under the care of their regular doctor and still receive treatment for their disease.

MyGoldCare enrollees will receive carefully coordinated care delivered by a team of medical and psychosocial professionals. It includes pain management, counseling and advanced care planning. About 1,500 GCHP members will qualify for MyGoldCare.

About Gold Coast Health Plan

Gold Coast Health Plan is an independent public entity created by a Ventura County ordinance and authorized through Federal Legislation. GCHP is not a county agency. The county Board of Supervisors approved implementation of a County Organized Health System (COHS) model, transitioning from fee-for-service Medi-Cal to managed care on June 2, 2009. The purpose of GCHP is to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries, enhance the quality of health care, provide greater access, improve service and provide choice. The Plan provides health benefits to more than 200,000 beneficiaries throughout the county. To learn more about GCHP, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.

Media Contact:
Steven Lalich
805-437-5514
SLalich@goldchp.org