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),
You have been very helpful through this entire process. Thank you very much!”
Consumer wrongly made eligible for Medi-Cal which incorrectly prevented her from enrolling in Covered California
Advocacy Notes
Featuring a recent example of HCA Advocates’ compelling work throughout the state.
A consumer sought the help of HCA partner Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) upon receiving an uncovered $61,000 bill for helicopter ambulance transport for her 10-week old infant experiencing seizures. The infant needed emergency transportation from a general trauma center to an in-network children’s hospital across town. The health plan claimed alternative transportation was available, however ground transportation was not available due to social unrest in the community, including blocking of streets and rioting. The health plan denied the claim resulting in a bill to the consumer from the transportation company $61,000. CLA SoCal advocates helped the consumer file a successful appeal to the California Department of Managed Health Care (“DHMC”), in which they filed a brief laying out the applicable clinical criteria and medical necessity standard, and provided evidence of the unavailability of ground transportation. The DMHC agreed and ordered the health plan to pay for the air transport as it was deemed medically necessary, and to send confirmation of payment of the expense within five days. The consumer was extremely relieved that her infant received timely and appropriate services, and grateful to CLA SoCal’s advocates for their services.
Medical billing cases such as these regularly rank in the top three most common problem faced by consumers of the Health Consumer Alliance. Please see our Know Your Rights page, and search the word “bill” to learn more about your rights related to medical billing and call your local Health Consumer Alliance partner if you need assistance.
