SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP), a community health plan serving over 80,000 San Francisco residents, has been a proud sponsor of the Golden Gate to Health Insurance (GGHI) Network for over ten years.

The GGHI Network's mission is to support organizations that assist individuals and families attain health coverage, through public health programs. The GGHI hosts monthly meetings within the San Francisco community providing a forum for updates and dialogue on important health coverage topics. The intention is to maintain a well-informed and engaged community of application assistors, eligibility workers, resource coordinators and other individuals who connect the uninsured with health coverage options.

The monthly luncheon was held today as one effort in kicking off Health Care Reform in San Francisco by discussing the expansion of Medi-Cal and the opening of the Covered California health care marketplace on October 1, 2013.  100 participants representing over 35 Community Based Organizations came together in the best interest of their clients to learn about Health Care Reform in San Francisco and how to support outreach and education efforts for their clients.

Guest speakers, Angela Shing from the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) and Emily Riggs from the Healthy San Francisco (HSF) program, discussed how the City and County of San Francisco, in partnership with Community Based Organizations, is preparing for the increase in enrollment due to Health Care Reform. The guest speakers updated the group on the impact Health Care Reform will have on Medi-Cal, Healthy Kids and the Healthy San Francisco Programs. One of many resources announced today was the availability of a new informational website www.healthcarereformsf.org, coming in October.

"SFHP is doing its part to support a successful implementation of Health Care Reform in San Francisco by creating a space where Community-Based agencies can equip themselves to begin outreach and education for the newly expanded Medi-Cal Program and Covered California," said John F. Grgurina, Jr., CEO of San Francisco Health Plan.

The program is just one of many community outreach programs that the GGHI Network will be sponsoring during this time of transition for health care in San Francisco.  "We are very excited to see such close collaboration between City and County agencies, Community Based Organizations and health plans, like San Francisco Health Plan, as we work towards a common goal: Get as many people signed up for health care coverage!" said Adrian Nunez, Director, Community Relations and Enrollment for San Francisco Health Plan.

About San Francisco Health PlanSan Francisco Health Plan, a licensed community health plan providing affordable health coverage to over 80,000 low and moderate-income families residing in San Francisco. SFHP was designed for and by the residents it serves – many of whom would not be able to otherwise obtain health care for themselves or their families. Through SFHP, members have access to a full spectrum of medical services including preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, family planning, and substance abuse programs. SFHP's mission is to provide superior, affordable health care emphasizing prevention and promoting healthy living with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of San Francisco. San Francisco Health Plan is also the third party administrator for the nationally recognized Healthy San Francisco program. For more information on SFHP, visit www.sfhp.org.

SOURCE San Francisco Health Plan

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