Press Release/Corporate News Archives

WelbeHealth Issues Statement on Passage of 2023-2024 Budget

June 29, 2023

Menlo Park, CA – Amy Shin, Chief Mission Officer, WelbeHealth issued the following statement in response to the California Legislature passing a 2023-2024 state budget:

“WelbeHealth appreciates the commitment the California Legislature made to support vulnerable seniors by passing a budget that includes additional resources for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Increasing the capacity of the Department of Health Care Services to administer PACE will help ensure that more eligible frail seniors have access to PACE and can more quickly benefit from comprehensive care.

“Securing additional resources for DHCS was a priority for WelbeHealth and CalPACE, and WelbeHealth worked in close collaboration with a coalition that included Leading Age California, California League of United Latin American Citizens, and American Nurses Association\California to ensure this important budget item passed.

“WelbeHealth is grateful to the Governor and the California Legislature for their support of PACE, and we look forward to further collaboration so we can continue to grow this critical program and improve the quality of life for aging seniors.”

ABOUT PACE

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive, whole-person health care program for frail seniors living with chronic health conditions and other complex needs that enables them to continue to live in the communities they know and love. PACE is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, costing on average 15% less than the cost of caring for a comparable population through other Medi-Cal services.

PACE organizations have a proven track record of seamlessly planning and managing all aspects of care for seniors – medical, social, and supportive services. PACE participants are over the age of 55, live in a PACE service area, and have been deemed eligible by the state for a nursing home level of care. More than 70% of PACE participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.

ABOUT WELBEHEALTH

WelbeHealth is a physician-led, mission-driven organization founded to serve the most vulnerable seniors with compassionate and quality care, in a pure value-based model. WelbeHealth manages the entire care portfolio for participants including their primary, specialty, and behavioral health care, ensuring they get to and from appointments, helping them navigate any necessary paperwork, providing assistance with activities of daily living, and ensuring they have enriched lives through social and emotional care.

Back to News Page

WelbeHealth Continues Los Angeles Expansion With Opening of New PACE Centers in Rosemead and North Hollywood

June 8, 2023

Through the Medicare and Medi-Cal funded Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), WelbeHealth delivers fully integrated care that allows seniors to age in place

Both new locations are poised to meet the needs of an aging population across greater metro LA; thousands of residents local to the new centers are over 55 and eligible for PACE

See photos of the new spaces here

Today the physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth announced the opening of its Rosemead and North Hollywood locations. The new locations will increase access to care in underserved communities where thousands of lower-income older adults qualify for health care through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program that offers seniors access to comprehensive at-home and community-based services.

The expansion marks a greater Los Angeles metro area presence for WelbeHealth, which also operates centers in Long Beach and Pasadena. Both WelbeHealth Rosemead and WelbeHealth North Hollywood will offer spaces for medical and dental care, social recreation, physical and occupational therapy, personal care, meals and nutritional counseling. Transportation and in-home care are also delivered as part of WelbeHealth’s integrated services.

Aligned with WelbeHealth’s commitment to holistic health, the new locations are thoughtfully designed contemporary spaces, inspiring an environment where participants can feel mentally rejuvenated while receiving high-quality medical care. Features like outdoor social spaces, hair salons and laundry rooms offer a respite from loneliness and limited access to personal care that many lower-income older adults experience.

“Welbe’s purpose is to unlock the full potential of the most frail and vulnerable seniors through a model of clinical excellence, comprehensive social services and our courage to love culture, that values every one of our team members, our participants and their families. We see a huge need for services like this in the Rosemead and North Hollywood communities,” said Si France, MD, Founder and CEO at WelbeHealth. “We know that caring for this population has ripple effects throughout their families and their communities, and we’re honored to serve them.”

Both centers are currently enrolling new participants, with services set to begin on July 1.

Over 9,000 seniors are eligible for PACE within a 20-minute drive of the two centers. The surrounding populations are highly diverse, with over half of local seniors primarily speaking a non-English language including Spanish and Chinese. To meet the needs of its participants, WelbeHealth has employed multilingual staff members across many positions. Culturally appropriate meal menus, activities, and other services have been made available to best serve the needs of the local communities.

“California’s population is aging rapidly. We are expanding our presence in Southern California to meet the growing need for specially designed services that allow seniors to thrive in their communities while lowering costs compared to institutional care. Our mission to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion will lift the burden off family members and improve the lives of older adults,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth.

In addition to the new North Hollywood and Rosemead centers, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including in the cities of Modesto, Stockton, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno.

About WelbeHealth

WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive healthcare services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program.

For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.

Contact: Ryan Jackson, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com

Back to News Page

WelbeHealth Announces New Chief Medical Officer and Chief Information Officer

May 18, 2023

Physician-led organization WelbeHealth, the California-based Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), announced two industry veterans as its newest executives: Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Le, and Chief Information Officer, Bindu Purushothaman. Both will play a pivotal role as WelbeHealth expands its mission to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion.

“It is a momentous occasion to welcome a Chief Medical Officer and Chief Information Officer with such extensive experience who are also aligned with our mission and values,” said Matt Patterson, MD, President of WelbeHealth. “Dr. Le’s proven track record of improving the lives of complex seniors and Ms. Purushothaman’s significant experience transforming technology for healthcare organizations will have a lasting impact as WelbeHealth delivers excellent PACE services at scale.”

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Le will oversee WelbeHealth’s team of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, ensuring they are providing the highest standard of care, experience and quality. Dr. Le has over 20 years of experience in the medical profession, most recently as Chief Medical Officer of Optum Home and Community Care. Previously, Dr. Le co-founded and served as Chief Medical Officer of Landmark Health, where he pioneered a new care model that provided 24/7 physician-led, multidisciplinary house calls to frail seniors. Dr. Le also led value-based care at CareMore Health Plan and HealthCare Partners.

“Revolutionizing how we care for the most vulnerable in our diverse communities is what inspires and motivates me,” said Dr. Michael Le. “I’m excited to bring better options and a new level of care to seniors as WelbeHealth’s clinical leader.”

As Chief Information Officer, Purushothaman will lead WelbeHealth’s technology development efforts, creating seamless tools that allow our team members to focus on caring for participants. Ms. Purushothaman’s most recent role was Chief Information Officer at Satellite Health following an impressive career as a technology leader in value-based care organizations including HealthCare Partners, Davita Medical Group and Optum.

“I am inspired by, and excited for, the journey ahead with WelbeHealth, an organization known for its dedication to providing compassionate all-inclusive care for seniors who need it most,” said Purushothaman. “The opportunity to work with an organization so deeply rooted in the community offers me the chance to not only do meaningful work but also better the lives of those around me.”

About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno.

For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.

Contact: Ryan Jackson, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com

Back to News Page

WelbeHealth responds to Governor’s budget proposal

January 10, 2023

MENLO PARK, CALIF. – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom released his state budget proposal for fiscal year 2023-2024. The budget included several proposals in line with WelbeHealth’s policy priorities, including an increase in resources for Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) administration within the Department of Health Care Services and the maintenance of funding for key health and human services programs including CalAIM, behavioral health and housing programs, and ensuring access to health care for all Californians regardless of documentation or ability to pay.

PACE enables frail seniors to remain in their homes while receiving coordinated, whole-person care and is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to nursing home care. In recent years, the number of PACE participants has increased significantly.

“WelbeHealth applauds the governor’s support of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and other proven care models for frail and vulnerable seniors. For every participant that enrolls in PACE, it saves taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars while increasing their length and quality of life, allowing them to live at home. Whether from an economic, health care or social standpoint, this may be one of the best investments the administration could make,” said Si France, M.D., chief executive officer of WelbeHealth, in response to the proposed budget.

To learn more about Governor Newsom’s full budget proposal, you can click here: 2023-24 State Budget Invests in Californians while Safeguarding State’s Future

About Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)

Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive whole-person health care program for frail seniors living with chronic health conditions and other complex needs. As both insurers and providers, PACE organizations are able to seamlessly plan and manage all aspects of care for seniors – medical, social and supportive services. PACE participants are over the age of 55, live in a PACE service area and have been deemed eligible by the state for a nursing home level of care. 90% of PACE participants are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

About WelbeHeatlh

WelbeHealth is a physician led, mission-driven organization founded to serve the most vulnerable seniors with compassionate and quality care, in a pure value-based model. WelbeHealth manages the entire care portfolio for participants including their primary and specialty care, ensuring they get to and from appointments, helping them navigate any necessary paperwork, providing assistance with activities of daily living, and ensuring they have enriched lives through social and emotional care.

Contact: Cyndi Hillery, cyndi.hillery@welbehealth.com

Back to News Page

WelbeHealth Deepens Commitment to Serving Seniors with Executive Hires

January 5, 2023

MENLO PARK, CALIF. – Physician-led healthcare organization WelbeHealth has added two seasoned executives to its leadership team: Chief Mission Officer Amy Shin and Chief People Officer Cathy Fraser. The leaders will play a pivotal role as WelbeHealth continues to deliver on its mission to serve the most vulnerable seniors in its communities.

As chief mission officer, Shin ensures that WelbeHealth’s mission is front and center in the community and among policy makers and our regulatory partners. She works closely with the operations teams to ensure that WelbeHealth is continually delivering on the highest standards of clinical quality and compliance. Shin has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently as chief executive officer of the Health Plan of San Joaquin, where she oversaw health care delivery for 350,000 MediCal lives in underserved areas of California. Shin was the chief administrative officer at On Lok, the first PACE organization, and the Alameda Alliance for Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California.

“Amy is a tremendously well respected and connected leader in California’s healthcare landscape, and she’s spent her career doing mission-driven work for vulnerable populations,” said Si France, MD, chief executive officer of WelbeHealth. “It is an honor that she would choose to support and advance WelbeHealth’s mission.”

As chief people officer, Fraser is responsible for the people strategies and services that enable team members to effectively fulfill and expand the WelbeHealth mission. Her focus is on maintaining WelbeHealth’s commitment to values and culture, developing career pathways, elevating team member experience, and investing in diversity, equity and inclusion. She most recently led human resources at Mayo Clinic, US News and World Report’s #1 Hospital, and Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC), a large national healthcare services company. Earlier in her career, she served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and worked in various finance leadership roles at American Airlines, Sabre, and General Motors. Fraser earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

“When we started Welbe, we started with the belief that we have to care for each other before we can care for our participants, so our team has always been the center of our culture and focus,” said Si France. “With Cathy, who led dynamic people functions at Mayo and Tenet, we’re making a significant commitment to putting our people first.”

About WelbeHealth

WelbeHealth is a physician-led organization founded in 2015 that coordinates senior care, including all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals and personal care services, in a fully coordinated program. WelbeHealth teams close the loop on comprehensive care to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. WelbeHealth delivers these services through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth operates four programs across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno. WelbeHealth served more than 1,000 seniors in 2021. For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.

Back to News Page

2021

An Appropriate Patient for WelbeHealth

October 6, 2021

WelbeHealth provider, Sepideh Chegini, MD, says her late father would have benefited from the company’s health services.

Sepideh Chegini, MD, says her father would have had a better quality of life if he had access to WelbeHealth services. Dr. Chegini serves as WelbeHealth’s chief medical officer. As such, she sees WelbeHealth’s quality of care and knows her dad would have been in good hands.

Dr. Chegini says, “I believe we could have cared for him at home, and we could have improved his quality of life. [WelbeHealth] would have definitely made a huge impact on my family’s quality of life.”

Nursing Home Alternative

Dr. Chegini’s father became quadriplegic after he was struck by a vehicle. Dr. Chegini’s family tried to care for her father in their home, but eventually moved him to a nursing home as his health declined. There, he lived out the remaining nine years of his life.

“We all live with that desire, that question in our mind, Well what if? What if we could have cared for him at home,” says Dr. Chegini.

She believes her father could have stayed at home with the help and support of a PACE program such as the one WelbeHealth offers.

“We want to get to a place where hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are no longer necessary for at least the majority of our participants,” she explains. “We want to make sure we can deliver the care where our participants need it the most—which is in their home environment.”

WelbeHealth PACE Services Care for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

WelbeHealth cares for the physical health of participants as well as their mental and emotional health. Dr. Chegini is passionate about WelbeHealth because it helps frail seniors, like her dad, continue to live in their homes and communities and get access to the holistic care they need.

“We want to make sure that we meet all our participants’ needs in a very holistic way—mind, body, spirit,” she says.

Watch our video of Dr. Chegini, telling her story.

Why We Support California Assembly Bill (AB) 523: Because Lifting Regulatory Bottlenecks Saved Lives During Covid-19 Crisis

February 26, 2021

Why Assembly Bill 540 Must Pass: Because seniors have a right to know about the PACE option for home and community based care

February 25, 2021

WelbeHealth Expands Executive Team with Key New Hire

February 17, 2021

Sepideh Chegini, MD, Joins WelbeHealth as Chief Medical Officer

MENLO PARK, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2021) WelbeHealth, an all-inclusive medical care provider that serves frail elderly, helping them live independently in their own home, is proud to welcome Sepideh Chegini, MD, as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Chegini will oversee clinical care delivery, ensuring that participants receive the highest standard of medical care while upholding WelbeHealth values and enhancing the experience of its teams. Under her leadership, WelbeHealth programs will further expand into underserved communities.

“We are grateful to have Sepi join WelbeHealth to help us ensure the highest quality care for our frail and vulnerable seniors,” said Si France, MD, Founder and CEO of WelbeHealth. “Sepi has an extensive track record of leading and innovating within value-based care to drive exceptional clinical quality, an inspired culture, and satisfaction in patient-centered care.”

Dr. Chegini is a physician leader fully dedicated to serving the most complex and vulnerable patient populations. With vast experience in value-based care delivery, she is passionate about supporting seniors with complex personal and medical obstacles through integrated, high-quality, and innovative care models.

Previously, she served as the Senior Medical Officer at CareMore Health, leading the institutional Special Needs Plans nationally, delivering person-centric, holistic care to the most vulnerable patients in the comfort of their homes while driving improvements in clinical outcomes and program growth. Under her leadership, the program expanded into ten new markets, reaching its all-time best outcomes by building and supporting high-performing teams and leading with compassion, curiosity, and dedication.

Dr. Chegini also designed and launched CareMore Health’s first palliative care program across Los Angeles and Orange counties to support patients approaching end of life and those with the most complex care needs through an interdisciplinary team-based approach.

“I see it as a true privilege to be in this position and to serve our most precious and vulnerable seniors, establish meaningful human connections with them, enrich their overall health care experience, and support them on their journey so they can reach their full potential,” said Dr. Chegini. “I will work hard to evolve and grow our programs and support our team members so that we can impact more lives and help improve our participants’ quality of life.”

Dr. Chegini obtained her medical degree at the University of Rochester, where she developed her passion for the biopsychosocial medicine model and palliative care. She trained in internal medicine at the George Washington University.

WELBEHEALTH PACE IN MODESTO ROLLS OUT MOBILE CLINIC TO SERVE MODESTO-AREA SENIORS

February 11, 2021