Tuesday, December 17, 2019
DMHC Monitoring Access to Behavioral Health Services at Kaiser Permanente During Strike
The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is monitoring access to behavioral health services for Californians enrolled in Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (Kaiser Permanente) who may be impacted during this week’s strike by behavioral health care workers.
“The DMHC takes all issues related to access to care very seriously. Health plans are required to provide medically necessary care to their enrollees appropriate with timely access and clinical standards even in the event of a strike,” said DMHC Director Shelley Rouillard. “If an enrollee has an appointment rescheduled that they do not believe is appropriate they can contact the DMHC Help Center for assistance.”
The DMHC Help Center is available at 1-888-466-2219 or www.HealthHelp.ca.gov.
The DMHC expects health plans to continue to comply with the Knox-Keene Act’s timely access standards and requirements during any labor strike. The DMHC received advance notice of the planned strike and, in anticipation of the strike, provided additional training and information to DMHC Help Center staff to assist enrollees impacted by the strike.
The DMHC has been in frequent communication with Kaiser Permanente, both prior to and during the strike, to ensure Kaiser Permanente’s members continue to have timely access to needed services, including behavioral health services.
About DMHC:
The DMHC protects the health care rights of more than 26 million Californians and ensures a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC Help Center has assisted approximately 2.4 million Californians to resolve complaints and issues with their health plan. The DMHC Help Center provides assistance in all languages and all services are free. For more information visit www.HealthHelp.ca.gov or call 1-888-466-2219.