DECEMBER 2013
Alan McKay,
Chief Executive Officer
Alan McKay
T
Page
2
ACA Provider
Attestation Process
Page
4
2014 CBI
Updates
Page
8
Diabetes Text
Messaging Pilot
Program
EXECUTIVE REPORT
Medi-Cal Expansion: It’s Now, Already
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion of Medi-Cal coverage is
underway. On October 1, newly eligible low-income citizens and
legal residents began applying for Medi-Cal coverage to be effective
as early as January 1, 2014, when they become new Alliance
members. No more waiting…coverage expansion has started.
Medi-Cal expansion has prompted many questions… “How is
this going to work?”
Let’s review some of the basic facts and features:
Who is newly eligible for Medi-Cal?
About 30,000 low income, childless adults
in our region earning $15,856/year or less (i.e. 138% of the Federal Poverty Level).
Income determines eligibility; there is no asset test. Under Medi-Cal expansion, a
“qualifying condition” (e.g., disability, dependent children) is no longer required for
coverage.
Who else might sign up?
Another 20,000 local residents have always been
eligible, but just haven’t signed up for Medi-Cal. With the
ACA’s individual mandate, they are now required to get
covered in 2014.
Is Medi-Cal coverage automatic?
No. All newly eligible
persons need to apply to start their Medi-Cal coverage.
How does someone apply for Medi-Cal?
There are
several ways. Applicants can call the State’s service centers,
download and print a paper application, apply over the
phone, use a broker or Certified Enrollment Counselor,
or apply at County Social Services. Useful information is
available at
which is also developing its online application.
When can someone apply for Medi-Cal?
Unlike the new Health Benefit
Exchange, which has an annual open enrollment period, Medi-Cal accepts
applications throughout the year.
With coverage expansion underway, our region
will see significant new federal funding for Medi-
Cal services for the newly insured. More prevention,
better access to care, less bad debt, more health
security: Medi-Cal expansion is happening now.
Alliance
Board Meetings
(tentative)
Wednesday,
February 26, 2014
Wednesday,
March 26, 2014
4:00 to 6:00 PM
All meetings will
be held via video
conference at
Alliance offices.
Main
—1600 Green
Hills Road, Suite 101
Scotts Valley, CA
95066
Salinas
—339 Pajaro
Street, Suite E
Salinas, CA 93901
Merced
—530 W.
16th Street, Suite B
Merced, CA 95340
ACA Outreach and
Education materials are
currently in development
by the Alliance and will
be available soon. Please
contact your Provider
Services Representative
for more information.
INS IDE
BULLETIN
PROVIDER
MEET INGS
