Calif. Counties Seek Grant To Boost Enrollment in Medi-Cal, Exchange
Monterey and Santa Cruz county officials are working on a $500,000 grant request to boost enrollment efforts for Medi-Cal and the state health insurance exchange, HealthyCal reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.
According to HealthyCal, the counties are working together because they share a regional media market (Griffy, HealthyCal, 3/4).
Background
State officials are planning a Medi-Cal expansion under the Affordable Care Act that would affect individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or $15,415 annually (California Healthline, 3/4).
In addition, the ACA requires states to launch online insurance marketplaces by 2014. California's exchange -- named Covered California -- primarily will serve individuals and small businesses (California Healthline, 2/14).
Details of Grant Request
Monterey and Santa Cruz counties plan to use the grant funding to build a network of not-for-profit organizations and business leaders who can locate individuals who are newly eligible for Medi-Cal and residents who might qualify for discounted coverage through the state health insurance exchange.
Community groups are developing proposals for inclusion in the grant request.
The counties will submit the request to the state this month.
Comments
Kathleen King -- CEO of the Pajaro Valley Health Community Trust -- said, "This is starting (awareness) at the grassroots, and that means it's likely to succeed."
Claudine Wildman of the Santa Cruz County Department of Human Services said, "We are working hard to identify people who want to partner with us."
Elliott Robinson -- director of social and employment services in Monterey County -- said the most difficult part of boosting enrollment will be outreach. He said, "Do we work with churches? How can we best work with small businesses?" He added, "We will be building it as we go, and it's going to take a village" (HealthyCal, 3/4). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.