CHAPTER 5: MEDICAL INSURANCE, LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES The Joint Commission (previously JCAHO) (800) 994-6610 Email: complaint@jointcommission.org
California State Board of Pharmacies (916) 518-3100 www.pharmacy.ca.gov Reports and investigates complaints about prescription drug availability, pharmacist misconduct. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (800) 447-8477 or (800) HHS-TIPS www.cms.gov To report Medicare and Medi-Cal fraud, waste and abuse, call the above number. Other languages: Spanish.
Office of Quality Monitoring Fax: (630) 792-5636 www.jointcommission.org If you have a complaint about the quality of care at a Joint Commission accredited health care organization, you can send your complaint by mail, fax, e-mail or through their website. To find Joint Commission certified health care organizations call directly or check website.
Disability Benefits 101 www.db101.org Tools and information on health coverage, benefits and employment.
Medical Insurance, Social Security and Prescription Drugs
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
California Department of Managed Health Care (888) 466-2219 (for information and complaints) www.dmhc.ca.gov Assists in navigating health care rights. They can help resolve problems with your health plan, including issues about medical care, prescriptions, preventive testing and mental health services. Other languages: Spanish.
The Medicare Counseling Program Toll Free Number: (800) 434-0222 Santa Clara HICAP (408) 350-3200 option 2 www.mysourcewise.com San Mateo HICAP (650) 627-9350 www.hicapsanmateocounty.org/ State-sponsored, volunteer-supported program that provides free counseling to people with Medicare about their benefits, rights and options, and other health insurance related questions. Appointments with a HICAP counselor can be scheduled to help you understand or assist you with the following
California Health Advocates 916-231-5110 (Sacramento) cahealthadvocates.org/ California Health Advocates is the leading Medicare advocacy and education non-profit in California, providing accurate and up-todate Medicare information for both Medicare beneficiaries and their families – and the advocates and providers who serve them.
TIP: Free Medications. Many pharmaceutical companies provide prescription medications free to people who cannot afford them. Program requirements differ from company to company. Most require that your physician aid in the initial request. See www.needymeds.org to see a list of medications. Requirements are detailed. There is no charge for the service. Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a program that connects qualified, low-income people with discount or free prescription drugs. Visit www.ca.pparx.org for more information. www.PacificStrokeAssociation.org support@psastroke.org – (650) 565-8485
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