Health Plan for County Poor

* I would like to clarify certain information in your article “County HMO Program for Poor Called Disaster” (Nov. 5).

The county has historically provided health care to the general relief population at Department of Health Services (DHS) hospitals and clinics. On Sept. 1, the county’s approximately 100,000 general relief recipients were enrolled in the community health plan, a health maintenance organization operated by DHS. While this is a large population to assume at one time, it is a population that was already using the Department of Health Services system.

The article indicated that 64% of the general relief population is homeless. According to the best estimates we have been able to obtain from the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), only 13-15% of the general relief population is homeless at any given time.

All general relief recipients are required to provide DPSS with a mailing address when applying for benefits. Prior to the beginning of each month, the community health plan mails a notice to general relief recipients informing them of their community health plan membership, locations where they may obtain services and a summary of benefits.

This same mailing includes a salmon-colored card which serves as an eligibility card for the current month. At least 75% of the mailings are delivered each month, as addressed.

We know that the homeless general relief population is less likely to receive mailed information. However, possession of a community health plan membership card is not essential to receiving care. All Department of Health Services providers can verify eligibility by using either of two computer systems and non-county providers may call the general relief hotline to verify eligibility.

We acknowledge that managing health care for the homeless population is a daunting task. However, the community health plan is committed to making every effort to assure that this group has access to all covered heath plan benefits in a timely fashion. We have scheduled a meeting with agencies representing the homeless population and are seeking their suggestions for ways to improve our services.

ROBERT C. GATES

Director of Health Services

County of Los Angeles