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),
This process is so confusing. I don’t know what people do who don’t have you to help them.
Consumer who did not know how to enroll in Medicare after losing employer coverage
Advocacy Notes
Featuring a recent example of HCA Advocates’ compelling work throughout the state.
A transgender woman that faced barriers to obtaining needed health services contacted HCA’s partner in Los Angeles, the Health Consumer Center of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles (NLSLA). The consumer’s health plan had denied her request for medically necessary gender affirming care, specifically hair removal via electrolysis. The health plan denied the request determining that hair removal was not medically necessary. The HCA advocates at NLSLA filed a request for Independent Medical Review (IMR) with the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and supported the medical necessity of the requested services with records from her treating providers. NLSLA’s advocates also submitted a brief demonstrating that the hair removal sought was in fact medically necessary to treat the consumer’s gender dysphoria. DMHC agreed and reversed the health plan’s decision requiring the plan to approve the requested hair removal. The consumer obtained the needed service and expressed great appreciation to the NLSLA advocates that helped her.
This case is one example of the great work HCA partners across the state are providing to consumers facing barriers to accessing needed gender affirming care.
