Accessing Care during a State of Emergency
HCA partners throughout California, including multiple partners located in Los Angeles, stand with Los Angeles, its communities, and, most importantly, the people of Los Angeles.
The Health Consumer Alliance has created the Accessing Care during a State of Emergency resource page to share information, support, and programs for those facing barriers to accessing needed care, equipment, supplies or other necessary services during a state of emergency. This resource page will be updated to share additional supports as they become available.
The Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) offers free over-the-phone or in-person assistance to help people struggling to get or maintain health coverage and resolve problems with their health plans.
Medical Debt - Do you have a medical bill that you cannot afford? We may be able to help you reduce your bills from hospitals, dentists, ambulance transportation, doctor groups, and other types of health care services. Call us for free help.
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Keep Your Coverage After the COVID Emergency
The Health Consumer Alliance can help you access health care after the COVID-19 emergency ends in 2023. Learn your rights to keep your coverage!
On the passing of Larry Lavin former director of the National Health Law Program
On the passing of Larry Lavin former director of the National Health Law Program
(April
California Caregiving: Snapshot Stats (2024)
Caregiving in California plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of millions of residents,
DMHC Fines Anthem Blue Cross $3.5 Million for Mishandling Member Complaints
DMHC Fines Anthem Blue Cross $3.5 Million for Mishandling Member Complaints
California Department of Managed Health
HCA partner, Justice in Aging speaks to LA Times on Financial Hardship faced by California Seniors on Medi-Cal
A recent article titled, "Living on $600 a month? Seniors over income limit can struggle
DMHC Fines Spring Health Plan $1 Million for Operating Without a State License While Offering Employee Assistance Programs
(Sacramento) – The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) took enforcement action against Spring Care, Inc. (Spring Health),
The Department of Managed Healthcare Services recent data survey reports over 14 million California residents are currently eligible to receive Medi-Cal benefits. Medi-Cal benefits are crucial California residents’ ability to access healthcare if unemployed, underinsured, or unable to afford private health insurance.
Featuring a recent example of HCA Advocates’ compelling work throughout the state.
A senior with disabilities in Alameda County was taken unconscious to a county hospital in 2018. When he awoke, he told the hospital doctors that he had Medi-Cal and showed them his Medi-Cal card. Ninety days later, he received a bill for more than $40,000, none of which was billed to Medi-Cal. After that, he started receiving calls from a collection agency. He called the hospital and told them repeatedly that he was a Medi-Cal recipient to no avail; the hospital told him he was already in collections and there was nothing they could do. He discovered the bill was affecting his credit when he tried to apply for a loan and received a credit check, at which point he contacted HCA partner, BayLegal.
BayLegal issued a demand letter to the bill collectors and further issued verbal demands that the collection agency complies with California’s Medi-Cal balance billing laws. The collection agency canceled all six of his accounts, returning them to the hospital and zeroing out his balance, and reported the zero balance to the credit reporting agencies.
