The Virginia Department of Health handles any complaint that involves the quality of health care being delivered. Some health plans are funded by the employer and qualify as a benefits package that is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. Bridenstine and his experienced staff will answer questions regarding managed care, assist individuals in understanding how managed care functions, and provide information on the types of managed care plans available in Virginia. The office can explain the various regulatory requirements with which managed care plans must comply, and respond to questions about laws relating to such requirements. Information also will be available concerning benefits which managed care plans are required by law to provide.
Speakers are available to interested groups to discuss managed care issues.
A series of informational materials will also be developed in written form and electronically for access via the Internet. Special state laws are designed to protect consumers by governing the activities of managed care health insurance plans. Several new provisions, incorporated into legislation adopted by the 1999 Virginia General Assembly, take effect July 1 along with the creation of the Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman.