Covered California welcomed Mayra E. Alvarez as its newest member of the Board on April 20th. Alvarez is a longtime health advocate and leader in health equity. She is president of The Children’s Partnership, a non-profit organization working to promote equity in children’s health, where she has been with since 2015.
Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California, said:
She is also passionate about health equity, ensuring that California’s diverse population has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. ”
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Prior to his work with The Children’s Partnership, Alvarez completed a series of assignments at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of President Barack Obama’s administration. From 2014 until 2015 she served as Director of the State Her Exchange Her Group at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Supervision at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Includes Covered California.
Alvarez also served as Associate Director of the HHS Office of Minority Health from 2013 to 2014, where he led the coordination of work related to the Affordable Care Act, community health workers, and language access.
From 2010 to 2013, Alvarez served as Director of Public Health Policy for HHS’s Office of Health Reform, responsible for implementing the public health, prevention and health workforce policy provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
“Health is fundamental to opportunity: being able to work, play, take care of your family, and make a difference in the lives of others and communities,” Alvarez said.
“We are very proud to join Covered California and continue our work to ensure that all Californians have the health insurance and care they need to thrive.”
During her career, Alvarez has been called upon to serve by federal and state leaders.In 2021, President Joe Biden named her to the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. In 2019, she was named by Governor Gavin Newsom to her 5th California State Commission and Member of the Early Childhood Policy Council.
She was also appointed to the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission by both former Attorney General Xavier Becerra and current Attorney General Rob Bonta.
In addition, Alvarez served as Legislative Assistant to US Senator Richard J. Durbin from 2007-2010 and Legislative Assistant to US Representative Hilda L. Solis from 2006-2007. Alvarez was a Legislative Fellow of then-Senator Barack Obama from 2005 until 2006.
Alvarez was appointed by Governor Newsom He succeeds Dr. Sandra Hernandez, who was recently appointed to the Health Care Affordability Committee. Alvarez’s term ends on January 1, 2027.
He holds a BS in Social Work and Chicano Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Health Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Although there is no remuneration for the position, Alvarez is entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel and other necessary expenses.
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, enabling Californians to find affordable, quality insurance from top insurers. Eligible California is the only place where eligible individuals can receive financial assistance to reduce premium costs on a sliding scale.
Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the one that best suits their health needs and budget. Depending on income, some consumers may qualify for her Medi-Cal program, which is low or free.
Covered California is an independent division of the state government tasked with making the health insurance market work for California consumers. It is overseen by the governor and her five-member board of directors appointed by the legislature.
For more information on Covered California, please visit www.coveredcalifornia.com. www.CoveredCA.com.
