S.D. County Limits Eligibility While Expanding Coverage
San Diego County is participating in federal efforts to expand health care benefits to residents ahead of 2014 mandates under the federal health reform law. The county received $50 million in federal matching funds to enroll residents in the federal Low Income Health Program, which provides services to low-income individuals who are not eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. However, county officials limited eligibility to those whose incomes do not exceed 133% of the federal poverty level. Previously, the county participated in the Health Care Coverage Initiative Plan, which served residents earning up to 200% of the poverty level. San Diego County has enrolled 15,305 residents in LIHP, but at least 75% of those individuals were transferred from other county programs.
- "County Expands Health Care, Limits Eligibility" (McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/26).