Site Map > About DMHC > Organization > Department Overview
- Welcome
-
Welcome
Californians are fortunate to have the strongest patients' rights laws in the nation. The DMHC is here to make sure these laws are followed and that all health plan members get the right care at the right time. Find out how in this section.
- Organization
- Laws
- General Information
- In the News
Department Overview
Lucinda "Cindy" Ehnes, Director
Department of Managed Health Care
Cindy Ehnes is the Director of the California Department of Managed Health Care, the only stand-alone HMO watchdog agency in the nation, touching the lives of more than 21 million enrollees. An attorney with 25 years of legal experience, primarily in the area of health insurance and regulatory law, she is licensed to practice law in both Colorado and California. She is a graduate of George Washington University and Catholic University Law School, both in Washington, D.C.
In May, 2008, Cindy was named Public Administrator of the Year by the American Society of Public Administration, Sacramento Chapter, for meritorious service and outstanding contributions to the community.
In 2007, she was named one of “20 People Who Make Healthcare Better” by HealthLeaders Magazine for being a policy leader who takes on complicated and controversial issues, while creating a culture of accountability in the managed care industry.
As the state’s HMO regulator, she focuses on making sure that people are able to gain and maintain access to coverage. Under her watch, the DMHC has tackled the issues of balance billing, timely access to care, coverage rescission/cancellation, discount plans, and mental health parity.
In addition, she is involved in many activities related to the build-out of Governor Schwarzenegger’s health information technology (HIT) efforts. She is an active member of the California team working to ensure that the state qualifies for stimulus funds to build out its health information technology system that will support electronic health information exchanges and electronic medical record systems. She is also a member of the California Telehealth Network Advisory Council, the Health Information Technology Financing Advisory Commission, the Privacy and Security Advisory Board, and the national E-Health Initiative.
As a member of the US Disabled Ski Team in her younger days, she won seven gold medals in international skiing competitions, and is still an avid skier. She serves on the Board of Disabled Sports USA-Far West, encouraging others with disabilities to engage in sport activities to gain self-confidence, mobility and greater independence. She is the author of the Prentice Hall ADA Compliance Advisor, one of two books she has written on the rights of those with disabilities.
