As reported by the L.A. Times on August 21, 2024, Beth Smith, one of the plaintiffs in a class action suit against Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and the State of California over unfair limits on insurance coverage of motorized wheelchairs, will receive $15,000 to replace her power wheelchair. RBGG and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) are representing Smith and other plaintiffs in the class action.
According to the Times, “A judge ruled that the claims against Kaiser had to go to arbitration under agreements with Kaiser members like Smith, rather than proceeding in federal court. In July, an agreement was reached through the arbitration process for Kaiser to pay $15,000 for a motorized wheelchair or more if ‘found medically necessary.'”
The class action against the state has been proceeding in federal court, although it was put on hold in March as the parties agreed to “seek federal input on the dispute at hand.” The Times concludes: “Attorney Claudia Center of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, which represented Smith and other plaintiffs, said the group is still pressing for a statewide resolution of the issue, potentially through legislation.”
Earlier posts about the case available here.