Litigation

Earlier this week, CHA took the next step in an important lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross. The good news: A Los Angeles Superior Court previously sided with CHA on the merits of the case and recently denied Anthem’s efforts to close off appeal. The bad news: The court previously decided it would “abstain” from further involvement — that is, from providing a remedy. CHA has now filed paperwork to appeal that abstention and seek remedy. 

What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge has ruled on CHA’s lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross, finding that it is the responsibility of health plans to arrange for and transition to post-acute care services for their members. 

What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has delayed the Jan. 27 court hearing on two motions by Anthem Blue Cross — to dismiss CHA’s lawsuit and strike requested remedies — to Feb. 14. In the lawsuit, CHA claims Anthem failed to provide timely post-hospital care for its members.  

What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge will hear two motions by Anthem Blue Cross on Jan. 27 to dismiss CHA’s lawsuit and strike requested remedies. In the lawsuit, CHA claims Anthem failed to provide timely post-hospital care for its members.  

What’s happening: On. Dec. 16, the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) announced that it fined Blue Cross of California (Anthem Blue Cross) $3.5 million for mishandling member grievances and not responding on time.  

What’s happening: On Oct. 8, California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) officials announced they have reached settlement agreements with the largest Medi-Cal plan in the state. 

What else to know: The two agreements with the Local Initiative Health Authority for Los Angeles County (L.A. Care Health Plan) — a $35 million settlement with the DMHC and a $20 million settlement with the DHCS — require that L.A. Care Health Plan improve its operations to ensure timely access to medically necessary health care services for all plan members, among other actions.  

What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge has designated a lawsuit brought by CHA against Anthem Blue Cross a “complex case,” requiring exceptional judicial management.  

What else to know: CHA’s suit challenges Anthem’s failure to authorize and arrange for access to timely and appropriate post-hospital health care services for its members. The next activity in the case will be an initial status conference on Oct. 3.  

What’s happening: CHA continues to await a response to the lawsuit filed against Anthem Blue Cross on April 23.    

What’s happening: Statewide and national media coverage of the CHA lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross includes print articles, news videos, and mentions on local radio stations. 

This week, all four of CHA’s state advocacy priorities converged in Sacramento, with significant developments on each. Sharing a brief recap of this week’s activities and next steps.