The Governor’s office recently
announced the appointment of Marko Mijic as the new
Undersecretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency
(CHHS), and the appointment of Michelle Baass as the Director of
the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
CHHS and DHCS provide oversight on a number of core programs
and services that directly impact local communities. The
partnership between CHHS, DHCS, and California Counties is vital
to the continued administration of programs and services that
reach the most vulnerable in our state. Marko Mijic and Michelle
Baass both possess significant experience that benefits these
crucial state and local partnerships.
Mr. Mijic’s extensive background in federal and state policy and
fiscal infrastructure has proven to be an asset for CHHS and
counties. In his previous positions in CHHS, Mr. Mijic has led
and engaged in a number of successful implementation projects
with the goal of improving service delivery and stakeholder
engagement. Mr. Mijic has continuously reached out to counties to
collaborate on several significant new policies, and county
priorities while keeping service delivery and access as the top
importance.
Ms. Baass’ experience within CHHS, the Senate, the Senate Office
of Research, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the private
sector will also serve her well in this new director of DHCS.
CSAC appreciates the many times that Ms. Baass has
been available to answer county questions on technical
issues. Ms. Baass’ understanding of the complex fiscal county
arrangements within the health and human services area will be an
asset as the department leads a number of large policy and
procedural changes such as CalAIM, the Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan
Procurement process, and Behavioral Health reforms.
CSAC has worked closely with Mr. Mijic and Ms. Baass and looks
forward to continued partnership in the coming years on
critical health and human services issues of importance to
counties.
