We need your support to ensure consumers are informed about their health insurance benefits and know what doctors and hospitals are in their networks. Urge the Senate Committee on Health to pass legislation requiring translation of a health plan’s summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) and ensuring provider directories are accurate and up-to-date. Please send in your letter of support for SB 388 (Mitchell) and SB 137 (Hernandez).
Letters of support must be received by Wednesday, April 8th, so download and send in your letters TODAY.
SB 388 (Mitchell) requires a health insurance plan’s SBC to be translated into non-English languages consistent with California’s existing language access requirements for other vital documents and would require the California Department of Managed Health Care and the California Department of Insurance to make available translated templates of the SBC on their websites. Download a sample letter of support for SB 388.
SB 137 (Hernandez) creates standards for provider directories and requires regular updates so that they include accurate information about which doctors and hospitals are in a patient’s network and the languages spoken when shopping for coverage or seeking care. CPEHN is co-sponsoring this legislation with Consumers Union and Health Access. Download a sample letter of support for SB 137.
Your support is also needed for SB 4 (Lara), the Health for All Act, which is being heard in the same committee. This bill would expand access to health coverage for all Californians, regardless of immigration status. Download a sample letter of support for SB 4.
The hearing for all three bills is scheduled for:
April 15, 2015, 1:30 pm
Senate Committee on Health
State Capitol, Room 4203
Letters must be received by April 8th. Please download and send in your letters TODAY!