Health Plan of San Mateo

HealthPlan of San Mateo (HPSM) is a health plan that administers Medi‑Cal benefits for residents of San Mateo County, California. It provides managed care services that include primary care, specialty care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and care coordination for low‑income individuals and families who qualify for state‑funded health coverage. As a county‑organized health system, HPSM works with a network of local providers to deliver comprehensive health services to its member population. The organization operates as a public agency dedicated to improving access to care for underserved communities within the county.

The organization’s headquarters are located in the United States, specifically in San Mateo County, California. A notable incident that illustrates the scale of its data handling occurred on January 17 2023, when an unauthorized party accessed an employee’s email account through a phishing attack. This breach exposed names, dates of birth, member identification numbers, and protected health information affecting 11,894 individuals. Following the incident, HPSM conducted an investigation with a third‑party security firm, notified the impacted parties, and reported the breach to federal regulators as required.

HPSM distinguishes itself as a government‑run, not‑for‑profit health plan that focuses exclusively on serving the Medi‑Cal population of a single county. Its status as a local initiative authorized by California law allows it to tailor benefits and care coordination strategies to the specific needs of San Mateo County residents. The plan emphasizes preventive care, chronic disease management, and community health initiatives, leveraging its close ties to county public health resources and social services. These attributes position HPSM as a key player in the regional safety‑net health care landscape.

Structurally, Health Plan of San Mateo is a public agency operated by San Mateo County government and is not a subsidiary of any private corporation. It is overseen by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, which provides governance and strategic direction for the plan’s operations. This public ownership underscores its mission to serve the public interest rather than generate profit, aligning its incentives with the health and welfare of the county’s residents.