
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.