Chief Executive, L.A. Care Health Plan
Baackes has served as chief executive since 2015 of downtown-based L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan serving roughly 2.6 million members in Los Angeles County. L.A. Care provides health care access for low-income residents who qualify for subsidized health coverage programs including Medicaid and the state’s health insurance exchange (“Obamacare”) program. In April, Baackes announced he plans to retire from the chief executive post at the end of this year. Prior to joining L.A. Care, Baackes held leadership roles with several health care providers, including as president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northeast Division and chief executive of Community Health Plan. He currently serves as board chair for Charles Drew University, a medical school in Willowbrook.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Don’t die curious. Ask questions.
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category?
“Caddyshack.” I caddied in high school and won a four-year scholarship from it.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
The climate and the diversity.
YEARS ON LA500: 1
