DHCS Fines Kaiser for Failure to Provide Data

April, 2017

California officials have fined health care giant Kaiser Permanente $2.5 million for failing to turn over required data on patient care to the state’s Medicaid program.

The California Department of Health Care Services said this was the first fine imposed against one of its Medicaid managed care plans since at least 2000. The state relies on the data to help set rates, ensure adequate care is available and monitor how taxpayer dollars are being spent in the program.

Kaiser isn’t appealing the sanctions and the health plan said it is “working toward compliance.” The company said the sanctions were in no way related to the quality of patient care or access to treatment.

Sarah Brooks, Deputy Director of Health Care Delivery Systems at the Department of Health Care Services, said the state is rolling out a new ratings system for all Medi-Cal managed care plans next year that will track the quality of patient care, appeals processes, contract compliance and other performance measures.

CAMFT will keep members up to date on any new developments.