The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) invites you to a public meeting on large group aggregate rates as required by Senate Bill (SB) 546 (Leno, Chapter 801, Statutes of 2015) and on prescription drug cost transparency pursuant to SB 17 (Hernandez, Chapter 603, Statutes of 2017). The meeting will be held in San Francisco on March 5, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at:
Milton Marks Auditorium
Milton Marks Conference Center
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
View the agenda for the public meeting. Participants may also join via conference line at the phone number listed in the agenda.
The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Timely Access Report for Measurement Year (MY) 2018 is now available. This report summarizes provider appointment availability data submitted by health plans to the DMHC.
Click on the image below to view the report.
The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) today released the Prescription Drug Cost Transparency Report for Measurement Year 2018. The report looks at the impact of the cost of prescription drugs on health plan premiums and compares this data from the first two reporting years of 2017 and 2018. Among other findings, the report reveals that increases in prescription drug costs significantly outpaced increases in overall medical expenses in California.
“Prescription drug costs are a major contributor to the overall cost and affordability of health care,” said DMHC Director Shelley Rouillard. “Health plans paid more than $400 million more on prescription drugs in 2018 than they did in 2017. This rate of increase outpaces the increase in overall medical expenses, impacting the affordability of health care. This report provides greater transparency into prescription drug costs so the public can better understand the impact to health care premiums over time.”
Press Release
Today, the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) announced enforcement action against a dozen health plans, including fines totaling $1.9 million, for lack of oversight of a contracted medical group which led to improper denials and delays of enrollees’ care. Under the law, health plans are responsible for compliance even when they contract out certain functions.
Press Release
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has announced it is ending financial assistance funds for Californians in need. The following fact sheet includes information on alternative options patients can explore and how to get help with these other health coverage options.
English Fact Sheet
Spanish Fact Sheet
The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) requires California health plans to help victims of Natural Disasters, including earthquakes and wildfires, who are experiencing problems obtaining health care services. This could include speeding up approvals for care, replacing lost prescriptions and ID cards, or quickly arranging health care at other facilities if a hospital or doctor’s office is not available due to the disaster. You should first contact your health plan for assistance, and if you have a problem obtaining services or assistance from your health plan, you can also contact the Department of Managed Health Care’s Help Center at 1-888-466-2219, or at www.HealthHelp.ca.gov.
The DMHC reminded health plans of the requirements under a declared statewide emergency in All Plan Letter 19-022 due to the effects of unprecedented high-wind events which have resulted in fires and evacuations across the state, All Plan Letter 19-021 and All Plan Letter 19-018 due to wildfires in Los Angeles, Riverside and Sonoma counties and All Plan Letter 19-015 due to earthquakes near the city of Ridgecrest, CA.
DMHC Fact Sheet
We all have a responsibility to check on our family, friends, and neighbors, especially our elders, those with disabilities, and our children. If you are in a de-energization zone, please take a moment to check-in on each other, especially the most vulnerable among us. We are stronger together.
The California Health and Human Services Agency prioritizes the health and well-being of the most vulnerable. View the Public Safety Power Shutoffs Resource Guide to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for the public safety power shutoffs in California.