Feinberg, Jackson, Worthman & Wasow attorneys joined a group of advocates in filing a complaint Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights, alleging that Medi-Cal violates the civil rights of Latino enrollees by effectively denying them access to Medi-Cal’s full benefits. The administrative complaint documents that Medi-Cal’s low reimbursement rates and its failure to adequately monitor access to Medi-Cal result in violations of the civil rights of Latinos who rely on Medi-Cal for healthcare.
The problem was brought to light by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), which has been working to improve Medi-Cal reimbursements for several years. Feinberg, Jackson, Worthman & Wasow joined the Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, the National Health Law Program, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in filing the complaint.
The groups have set up a hotline in Spanish and English for Medi-Cal patients who have experienced the same difficulty finding healthcare: (855) 228-1463. A copy of the complaint is available here. For additional information, please contact Catha Worthman or Darin Ranahan.