California HMO Chief’s Press Conference Raises Speculation by Advocates
The Department of Managed Health Care has scheduled a press conference today in Los Angeles to announce a deal with a major health insurer to reinstate coverage for some members whose coverage has been rescinded, the Sacramento Bee reports.
The announcement of the press conference was met with speculation from Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy organization.
Consumer Watchdog says that according to its sources in the health care industry, DMHC is considering an agreement that would not require Kaiser Permanente to pay medical bills for members whose coverage Kaiser rescinded. Consumer Watchdog also maintains that the alleged agreement would limit Kaiser's future legal liability for the rescissions.
Late Wednesday, DMHC spokesperson Lynne Randolph declined to comment on what would be announced at today's press conference (Glover, Sacramento Bee, 5/14).