HHS announced government-funded health insurance plans for near-poor individuals will launch in 2015, a year later than expected and a year after most individuals will be required to purchase health insurance one way or another.
The Basic Health Program is meant to be an alternative, more affordable plan for families not eligible for Medicaid but who would still have difficulty finding a health plan they could pay for, even with federal subsidies. The program caps income-eligibility around $47,000 for a family of four.
HHS said it will use this year to gather input and 2014 to issue guidance and rules before beginning the program in 2015. In the meantime, the office assured states it will work with them in covering individuals who would struggle to pay for coverage through other types of programs.
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The Basic Health Program is meant to be an alternative, more affordable plan for families not eligible for Medicaid but who would still have difficulty finding a health plan they could pay for, even with federal subsidies. The program caps income-eligibility around $47,000 for a family of four.
HHS said it will use this year to gather input and 2014 to issue guidance and rules before beginning the program in 2015. In the meantime, the office assured states it will work with them in covering individuals who would struggle to pay for coverage through other types of programs.
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