Caregivers may want to consider obtaining a life insurance policy to help provide support to others in case something happens to them. Another consideration is disability income insurance, which offers protection by replacing a percentage of one’s previous income if they are unable to work due to a disability. If a caregiver plans to leave a job to be a full-time caregiver, they need to ensure they will have access to healthcare.
Undocumented children to gain Medi-Cal through Covered California
Covered California will be performing an update to their online application that will allow undocumented children to become eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits on May 16, 2016. Children under 19 years of age and whose household income is below 266% of the federal poverty level will not have to verify their immigration status. They will not have to provide proof of citizenship, lawful presence, or proof of immigration status in order to become eligible for Medi-Cal.
2016 Income table for Covered California
Covered California has updated their income table for qualifying for either the premium assistance or Medi-Cal. The new income amounts reflect the modest increase to the federal poverty levels (FPL) which is the foundation for premium assistance. The new income amounts only apply to individuals and families who will apply for health insurance through Covered California for 2016. Households who renewed their coverage in 2015 or enrolled during open enrollment for 2016 are not affected by the higher income levels in most situations.
Medi-Cal guidance for individuals and households with fluctuating income
The purpose of this letter is to provide counties with guidance regarding fluctuating or self-employment income, and the use of projected annual income when transmitting income to the California Healthcare Eligibility, Enrollment and Retention System (CalHEERS) to calculate MAGI. Self-employment or fluctuating income may include income received from self-employment, partnerships, s-corporations, royalties, estates, trusts and real estate rentals.
Feds urge drug makers and states to make Hepatitis C drugs available
Recognizing that we need both access and affordability, today we issued a notice to all 50 state Medicaid directors and sent letters to the CEOs of several drug manufacturers about providing access to therapy for Hepatitis C patients. Our notice to state Medicaid directors reminds states of their obligation to provide access to these promising therapies (consistent with section 1927 of the Social Security Act) based on the medical evidence, and that they have tools available to manage their costs. Our letter to manufacturers asks them to provide us with information on pricing arrangements and asks them for ideas to support the provision of these lifesaving medications to Medicaid programs at sustainable prices.
Blue Shield approved to acquire Care 1st Medi-Cal provider
California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Director Shelley Rouillard has issued an order approving Blue Shield of California’s (Blue Shield) acquisition of Care1st Health Plan (Care 1st). “This order brings Blue Shield into the Medi-Cal program and requires the plan to improve quality and access for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Prior to approval, my team performed an exhaustive review of all aspects of the proposed transaction, performed complex legal analyses, conferred with external experts and considered all public comments,” said Director Rouillard.
Covered California clarifies Medicare questions for individuals
If you are enrolled in Medicare, you do not need to do anything with Covered California. If you have Medicare you are covered. No matter how you receive your Medicare benefits, whether through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will have the same benefits and security you have now. You will receive new benefits, such as more preventive services and increased savings on brand-name drugs.
Medi-Cal Payments Ending for Health Agents
Pursuant to the California State budget enacted for fiscal year 2015-2016, however, payments will no longer be made for enrollments in Medi-Cal submitted after June 30, 2015.
Agents should be paid commissions on Medi-Cal enrollments
What’s the difference between a Covered California enrollment for a subsidized private plan and Medi-Cal? Nothing when assisted by a Certified Insurance Agent. A Medi-Cal enrollment takes just as much knowledge, experience and time to perform for an agent as an enrollment for a private plan through Covered California. Yet, a Medi-Cal enrollment only yields […]
Agent Medi-Cal payments delayed again
Contrary to Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) statements in their Medi-Cal Essentials webinar, agents will not be receiving any payments for assisting clients that were enrolled into Medi-Cal through a Covered California application in the near future. Recent email communication from Covered California to Certified Insurance Agents suggests thatcompensation of approximately $58 per Medi-Cal […]