Alignment Health Plan and Hoag Health System Increase Access to Award-Winning Care for Orange County Seniors

Alignment Health Plan (ALHC) will expand Orange County Medicare Advantage members' in-network access to Hoag Health System starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Rhea-AI Summary

Alignment Health Plan (ALHC) will expand Orange County Medicare Advantage members' in-network access to Hoag Health System starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Under an enhanced arrangement, members in select HMO plans will gain in-network access to Hoag Specialty Clinic, Hoag Medical Group, Hoag Physician Partners, Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine, Hoag Orthopedic Institute and a wide network of urgent care, specialty care and wellness locations. Alignment members will be able to use Hoag’s complete network of primary care physicians and specialists, two acute-care hospitals, 17 urgent care centers and 13 health and wellness centers, including nationally recognized cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer and other advanced clinical programs.

Key Figures

Access begins: Jan. 1, 2027 Acute-care hospitals: 2 hospitals Urgent care centers: 17 centers +1 more

Access begins

Jan. 1, 2027

Enhanced Hoag relationship for members in select HMO plans

Acute-care hospitals

2 hospitals

Hoag network access in Orange County

Urgent care centers

17 centers

Hoag network access in Orange County

Health and wellness centers

13 centers

Hoag network access in Orange County

Key Terms

medicare advantage, hmo, in-network, acute-care hospitals

4 terms

medicare advantage financial

"Alignment Health Plan, an award-winning Medicare Advantage (MA) plan"

Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that covers services traditionally provided by government-run Medicare. Think of it as a bundled package that combines hospital, doctor, and other medical care into one plan, often with added benefits. For investors, it matters because the popularity and profitability of these plans can influence healthcare companies and the broader health insurance industry.

hmo financial

"members in select HMO plans will have in-network access"

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, a type of managed health insurance plan that gives members access to a network of doctors and hospitals for a fixed premium and generally requires using in-network providers or referrals for specialists. Investors watch HMO performance because membership levels, cost controls and care network agreements directly affect revenue, profit margins and regulatory exposure—think of it as a subscription service that must balance member satisfaction with cost containment.

in-network financial

"will have in-network access to Hoag Specialty Clinic"

In-network describes doctors, hospitals, or clinics that have a contract with a health insurance plan to provide care at agreed prices—think of them as stores that accept a particular discount card. For investors, being in-network affects how many patients a provider will see, how much insurers and providers get paid, and how predictable revenues and costs are, so shifts in network status can change profitability and competitive position.

acute-care hospitals medical

"complete network of primary care physicians and specialists, two acute-care hospitals"

Acute-care hospitals provide short-term, intensive medical treatment for sudden or severe illnesses, injuries, and surgeries that require close monitoring, emergency care, or inpatient stays typically lasting days to a few weeks. Think of them as hospital hubs for immediate, high-intensity care rather than long-term convalescence or routine outpatient visits. For investors, their patient volumes, bed occupancy, case mix, and reimbursement rates are key drivers of revenue, costs, and financial performance in healthcare investments.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Expanded provider relationship increases access to Hoag physicians, hospitals and specialty programs beginning Jan. 1, 2027

ORANGE, Calif., Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alignment Health Plan, an award-winning Medicare Advantage (MA) plan from Alignment Health, today announced an enhanced arrangement with Hoag, a nationally recognized healthcare delivery system, that will expand in-network options for primary care, specialty care, urgent care and hospital services for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries across Orange County.

The enhanced relationship with Hoag reflects both organizations’ commitment to expanding access to high-quality, coordinated care for Orange County seniors. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Alignment Health Plan members in select HMO plans will have in-network access to Hoag Specialty Clinic, Hoag Medical Group, Hoag Physician Partners, Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and an extensive network of urgent care, specialty care and wellness locations throughout Orange County.

“Orange County seniors shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and their preferred, trusted healthcare providers,” said Dawn Maroney, CEO of Alignment Health Plan and president of Alignment Health. “Expanding our partnership with Hoag reinforces Alignment’s commitment to delivering best-in-class clinical care exactly where and when seniors need it.”

Consistently named a best hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Hoag is nationally recognized for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Alignment members will now have access to Hoag’s complete network of primary care physicians and specialists, two acute-care hospitals, 17 urgent care centers, and 13 health and wellness centers throughout Orange County.

Members will also have access to Hoag’s nationally recognized specialty programs, including cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer and other advanced clinical services that support many of the chronic health conditions commonly affecting Medicare-age adults.

“For nearly 75 years, Hoag has grown alongside Orange County, continually expanding to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag. “Our expanded relationship with Alignment Health allows us to welcome more seniors into the Hoag community and connect them with the depth of expertise and specialized care available across our health system.”

The relationship reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to improving healthcare access for Orange County seniors. By combining Alignment Health’s Medicare Advantage care model with Hoag’s extensive local provider network, the arrangement aims to make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to access the right care at the right time while remaining connected to providers in their own communities.

About Alignment Health
Alignment Health is championing a new path in senior care that empowers members to age well and live their most vibrant lives. A consumer brand name of Alignment Healthcare (NASDAQ: ALHC), Alignment Health’s mission-focused team makes high-quality, low-cost care a reality for its Medicare Advantage members every day. Based in California, the company partners with nationally recognized and trusted local providers to deliver coordinated care, powered by its customized care model, 24/7 concierge care team and purpose-built technology, AVA®. As it expands its offerings and grows its national footprint, Alignment upholds its core values of leading with a serving heart and putting the senior first. For more information, visit www.alignmenthealth.com.

About Hoag
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 17 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of healthcare services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is consistently named a best hospital by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

Media Contact
Jerry Slowey
publicrelations@ahcusa.com

FAQ

Which Alignment Health Plan members will gain access to Hoag’s network under this arrangement?

The expanded in-network access applies to Alignment Health Plan members enrolled in select HMO plans in Orange County. The announcement does not specify which individual plan designs are included.

What types of services will Alignment Health Plan members be able to access at Hoag?

Members will have in-network access to primary care, specialty care, urgent care and hospital services through Hoag’s network, including two acute-care hospitals, 17 urgent care centers, 13 health and wellness centers and nationally recognized specialty programs in areas such as cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer care.

How do Alignment Health and Hoag describe the goal of this expanded relationship?

The companies describe the arrangement as reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality, coordinated care for Orange County seniors, aiming to make it easier for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to get the right care at the right time while staying connected to providers in their communities.