California Sees Little Response to Language Assistance Rules
The California Department of Managed Health Care has received only five calls from consumers inquiring about new rules that require health insurers to provide interpreters to members since the requirement took effect on Jan. 1, the Ventura County Star reports.
DMHC is charged with enforcing the regulations, drafted to enact provisions of a 2003 state law. All private insurers and Medi-Cal plans in California are subject to the rules.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.
Publicity, Enforcement Efforts
DMHC Director Cindy Ehnes said the state will continue to publicize the rules through foreign language media, notices from insurers and other strategies.
Ehnes said, "We think it's not a reflection of things just going smoothly. We think it's a reflection that people don't know about the right."
In addition, Ehnes said the state will use undercover representatives to verify compliance with the rules and pursue reported complaints (Kisken, Ventura County Star, 1/26). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.