Monterey, CA Mad Rush For 300 Low Income Health Care Insurance Policies?

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After many delays, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a version of the Via Care health program, however, they did so on a temporary and limited basis.  Via Care is a test program to see how the Affordable Care Act will work insuring low-income residents of Monterey County.  If you are interested in signing up, my advice is to hurry!  The program is only going to be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for 300 uninsured adult county residents without children who earn less than $11,170 per year (the current Federal poverty level).  That is slim pickings.  About 66,000 County residents are expected to qualify for Medi-Cal or subsidized coverage under the Affordable Care Act.  It is scheduled to be approved on February 5 and applications could be accepted sometime between February 8 and February 22.  The plan was supposed to be offered to 1,500 residents earning twice the Federal poverty level but the county doesn't want to spend the money.  The plan will cost $3.3 million, down from the $13.4 million originally earmarked for the program.  The Federal government is supposed to reimburse the County for half of their expenditures, although County officials remain skeptical which is why they have scaled back the program.  If you don't make the initial round of recipients, the county will put you on a waiting list and if the program is expanded you may be added.  I applaud the county for its efforts but much more work needs to be done. 

http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_22382082/monterey-county-low-income-health-program-go-forward

About Richard Kuehn & Hands to Help Seniors:

After more than a decade of caregiving, both in a professional environment and for a 97 year old family member, it became clear to me that there are many seniors that can't afford to pay for a private duty caregiver, not to mention medical expenses, food and property taxes on their home.  I decided to form a non-profit to help seniors with any service they might need to get by, should they be unable to afford this themselves.  From putting on a new roof to providing a hot meal, Hands to Help Seniors is there to help.  Please visit my blog where I talk about important senior issues at:

http://www.h2hs.org/news-and-media.html

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands To Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.