April 23, 2020
Optum Partnering with California to Increase COVID-19 Testing Capacity
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (4/23/2020) –On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is partnering with Optum Serve, the federal health services business of Optum, to increase testing for COVID-19 in the state’s communities.
“Optum is honored to assist California in expanding COVID-19 testing for their residents,” said Patty Horoho, CEO of Optum Serve. “We will bring the full commitment and capabilities of UnitedHealth Group to serving Californians, including extensive experience conducting large community health events.”
Optum’s efforts will increase California’s daily testing capacity by providing end-to-end testing of COVID-19, from collecting specimens to reporting results to individuals, over 80 sites across California. Optum is working closely with the state and local officials on testing site locations and to prioritize testing for communities with the most need.
Optum has deep experience in standing up large health events. Last year through Optum Serve, more than 2.9 million health services to 350,000 National Guard and Reserve members were performed across the country, including through 162 events in California.