Consumer Topics

HMO Guide

The HMO Guide provides various topics of essential information that members need to feel confident they are making the best health care decisions for themselves and their dependents. It also identifies common problems and includes an extensive list of resources to contact for additional assistance.

HMO Guide for Seniors

The HMO Guide for Seniors focuses more on topics and concerns that are expressed by seniors to ensure that a high quality level of HMO health care service is experienced. It outlines ways to maximize effective communication with both the doctor and loved ones concerning the choice of treatment. It also covers the benefits most needed by seniors, and provides the tools to address any areas where care or customer service is lacking.

Mental Health Parity Law (PDF, 170KB)

This booklet gives you a basic understanding of the history of the Mental Health Parity Law and what it means, as well as the basic services HMO’s are required to provide.

Your Rights as an HMO Patient (PDF, 240 KB)

This booklet offers helpful information about Managed Health Care, The Office of the Patient Advocate, The Department of Managed Health Care. It also lists some of the most important rights consumers have under California law.

If you would like to receive a copy of our educational materials, please complete this easy request form. Our staff will be happy to mail them to you. Thank you.

The following documents are available in Text Format (.txt).

Text Format (.txt)

• California's HMO Guide
• California's HMO Guide for Seniors
• 2006 HMO Report Card Summary
• 2005 HMO Report Card Medical Group Charts

Public Resource Materials in Other Languages

The OPA also produces the above materials in Español, Chinese, and other languages. You can view these materials by visiting the Consumer Topics Available in Other Languages page.