The California Public Interest Research Group is investigating whether health plans are failing to comply with California’s disability anti-discrimination law
As many as 2 million Californians with disabilities could be affected
The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) is investigating whether some of the state’s most popular health plans are failing to comply with California’s disability anti-discrimination law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act.
CALPIRG has sent letters to the California Department of Managed Health Care, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Health Net requesting information about how they are implementing the law. The group is specifically concerned about whether the health plans are providing equal access to care for people with disabilities, including access to mental health services.
“We are concerned that many Californians with disabilities are being denied access to the health care they need,” said Emily Rusch, CALPIRG’s health care advocate. “We are calling on the Department of Managed Health Care to investigate this issue and take action to ensure that all Californians have equal access to quality health care.”
The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits businesses from discriminating against people with disabilities. The law requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities can fully and equally access their goods and services.
CALPIRG’s investigation comes after a series of complaints from people with disabilities who say they have been denied access to care by their health plans. In one case, a woman with a mental illness was denied coverage for therapy. In another case, a man with a physical disability was denied coverage for a wheelchair.
“These are just a few examples of the many complaints we have received from people with disabilities who say they have been discriminated against by their health plans,” said Rusch. “We are calling on the Department of Managed Health Care to investigate this issue and take action to ensure that all Californians have equal access to quality health care.”
If CALPIRG’s investigation finds that the health plans are not complying with the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the group could file a lawsuit. The group could also file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.
As many as 2 million Californians with disabilities could be affected by this issue.
Here are some of the specific concerns that CALPIRG is investigating:
CALPIRG is urging people with disabilities who have been denied access to care by their health plans to contact the group. The group can be reached at 213-937-0193 or by email at calpirg@calpirg.org.
Kind regards, E. Thompson.
