Rep. Huffman Applauds California Regulators for Investigating Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield for Misleading Provider Networks

Press Release

ongressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today applauded the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) for finding Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California in violation of state law for drastically overstating the availability of health providers on their new Affordable Care Act policies. According to the DMHC report, more than 25% of physicians listed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California were not taking Covered California patients or were no longer at the location listed by the companies. Anthem and Blue Shield account for nearly 60% of enrollment in Covered California, including a significant market-share in Rep. Huffman's district.

"I have heard firsthand about the chaos and confusion created by inaccurate and misleading information on the physician networks for Anthem in the North Coast, and know that many of my constituents have been hurt by these failures," Huffman said. "This action by DMHC brings much-needed accountability and ensures consumers that regulators are working to protect their interests."

The report comes mere days after the three-month open enrollment period for health insurance coverage opened. Last year, 1.1 million Californians enrolled in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. DMHC has not determined whether Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California will face financial or legal penalties for its violations.

The DMHC report on Blue Shield of California can be found HERE, and the report on Anthem Blue Cross can be found HERE.

According to the DMHC survey:

A significant percentage (12.5%) of the physicians listed in the Anthem Blue Cross directory were not at the location listed in the Provider Directory and that a significant percentage (12.8%) were not willing to accept patients enrolled in the Plan's Covered California products, despite being listed on the website as doing so.

A significant percentage (18.2%) of the physicians listed in the Blue Shield directory were not at the location listed in the Provider Directory and that a significant percentage (8.8%) were not willing to accept members enrolled in the Blue Shield's Covered California products, despite being listed on the website as doing so.

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