SIMNSA: Health Plan Becomes First Foreign HMO Approved by State

      The state Department of Corporations has approved SIMNSA Health Plan as a licensed health care service plan -- the first foreign HMO to be licensed in California. SIMNSA has been providing services to San Diego employees and their dependents who reside or prefer to receive health care in Tijuana, Mexico. The move was made possible by SB 1658, which allows Mexican HMOs to receive a license in California. The bill, the Knox Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, was enacted on Jan. 1, 1999. Frank Carillo, SIMNSA president and CEO, said, "[W]e are very proud that we are the first Mexican HMO to satisfy California licensing requirements and we are looking forward to offering services to an expanded client base." About 10,000 members and more than 100 employer groups now receive health care through SIMNSA (SIMNSA release, 2/1).