Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA)

Office Updates#

Hospital Market Competition Study#

In October 2024, Director Elizabeth Landsberg announced an investigative study of hospital market competition in Monterey County after two years of public testimony from consumers about the high cost of hospital care and several months of OHCA analyzing hospital financial data. To assist in the investigation and author the report, OHCA engaged health care economic experts, Arnold Analytics.

The report investigates potential reasons behind why hospital prices in the county are among the highest in California and the nation, looking at data relevant to three Monterey County hospitals: Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), Natividad Medical Center, and Salinas Valley Medical Center (SVHMC).

The findings conclude that a significant lack of market competition is the main driver of these high prices, rather than higher operating costs or superior quality of care. The report highlights the financial impact on local families, workers, and employers and includes additional policies for consideration.  Read the study in its entirety: Health Care Market Competition in Monterey County

Advisory Committee Member Solicitation – Payers#

The Office of Health Care Affordability invites you to share your voice and apply to join the Health Care Affordability Advisory Committee.  We are seeking perspectives from health care payers.  The Committee meets 4 times a year in Sacramento, or virtually.  Learn more about the Committee and find the membership link: Health Care Affordability Advisory Committee        

Behavioral Health Spending Measurement#

• OHCA released the Proposed Behavioral Health Spending Definition and Measurement Methodology for public comment on August 4, 2025 and will be accepting public comments until September 3, 2025.
• Read the Notice of Publication and the Proposed Behavioral Health Spending Definition and Measurement Methodology, including the associated code set.

OHCA Newsletter#

Read the latest OHCA Newsletter: September 2025 Newsletter

For past newsletters, see the Archive below.

Statutes & Regulations#

HCAI and OHCA program enabling statutes and regulations (existing and proposed).