Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Consumer Assistance Program Grants - Under the executive authority of the Governor, the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) regulates 108 health plans, covering 21 million Californians who have HMO and certain PPO plans. Operating under the authority of an independently elected insurance commissioner, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates all other PPO and indemnity health products, covering approximately 9.3 million lives. This bifurcated regulation of the health insurance market, coupled with the administration of public programs housed in a third agency, often leaves consumers confused about where to turn for help when they have questions about health care coverage or federal health care reform, or have complaints. PROJECT GOALS: The grant will enhance the capacity of the DMHCs’ Help Center, as well as that of the Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA), which operates in partnership with the DMHC. With a total budget of $3,400,000, the major goals of the grant are to: 1) Develop and promote a coordi
