What Was Measured?
The rate of HMO members' information inquiries and complaints to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) for California’s largest HMOs. The rate was determined by dividing the number of times any HMO member contacted the DMHC Help Center with an information inquiry or complaint about their health care, by the number of each plan's HMO members within DMHC’s jurisdiction.
Why Is It Important?
Any HMO member, by law, can contact DMHC if they are not satisfied with the way in which the HMO has handled a concern they have about their medical care or insurance. The rate of HMO member information inquiries and complaints to DMHC is one measure of how well HMOs meet their members needs and solve problems when they happen.
What Was the Source?
DMHC data, including information inquiries and complaints to the DMHC Help Center, as well as the number of HMO members reported by HMOs to DMHC for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 calendar years. For further information about this data please go to About the HMO Ratings.