Instead of requiring each family to show proof of their own deductible expenses, the state can replace the net income level with a gross income level that assumes a standard level of income deductions for all applicants. This measure would greatly simplify the application process for families. If this measure is implemented for Medi-Cal, the same should be done for Healthy Families. Even if every eligible child enrolls in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, about 670,000 California children will remain uninsured. Yet the state plans to use just a fraction of the available federal funding.
Affordable options exist to cover additional children with available funding.
Available federal funding would pay for almost two of every three dollars needed to insure these kids. Not only does this make sense financially, it also makes sense for the families in this income bracket. Approximately eight in ten children eligible for Healthy Families are children of color. Cultural and linguistic competency standards for Healthy Families plans are critical to ensure these children receive optimal care. To date, neither these existing service requirements nor the Task Force recommendations have been integrated into Healthy Families.