In 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will significantly expand coverage options for uninsured, low-income Californians. Families with incomes between 139% and 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (about $29,000 to $44,000 for a family of four) earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal. Instead, the federal law provides tax credits to help those in this income range afford commercial coverage through the California Health Benefit Exchange.

A report by the Institute for Health Policy Solutions, supported by CHCF, examines policy design options to preserve continuity of care when people's incomes change.

Since provider networks in Medi-Cal and private-market health plans are often very different, those whose incomes drop below — or rise above — the 139% of FPL threshold could experience disruptions in care. To improve continuity of care for populations experiencing income shifts, the authors propose offering Medi-Cal plans, under specified conditions, through the Exchange.

The complete report, Continuity for (Former) Medi-Cal Enrollees and Affordability for the Low-Income Exchange Population: Background and an Alternative Approach, is available as a PDF download through the External Link below.