Monterey, CA Medi-Cal Expansion Moving Full Speed Ahead In California

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

I've been writing on my blog about the new health care reform law (the Affordable Care Act) which will make millions more people eligible for Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California).  Although the Federal Government is shouldering the vast majority of the cost of this expansion, many states are in such dire financial straights that they are still fighting adding the new enrollees.  The Obama Administration threw cold water on plans of some states to roll out just part of the program yesterday.  They announced that in order to receive federal aid, which would cover the vast majority of the expansion, they either roll it out to all people covered under the affordable care act or they won't receive most of the funds (they would only match what was spent by the state, not cover most of the cost).  30 million people are expected to get coverage under the law, which covers anyone who earned up to 133% of the poverty level which is currently at $11,170 for a single person.  Those with incomes above that will receive a federal subsidy in order to help them buy insurance.  The Supreme Court ruled this summer that it's unconstitutional to force the program on states, giving each state the chance to either participate in the program or decline to.  Several states suggested that they might be open to enrolling some residents with income below the poverty level if they could exclude those with a higher income.  But the Obama administration nixed this program. Thankfully, our state is moving full speed ahead to get ready for the health reform laws, and a lot more California residents will have insurance soon.  Anyone living on the Monterey Peninsula knows that 133% of the poverty level ($14,856) is peanuts, and it's just not affordable to buy health insurance on this small of an income.

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.