CMS has issued a final rule establishing the Basic Health Program, which gives states the option to provide health insurance to low-income people who don't qualify for Medicaid.
Starting in 2015 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, states will have the option of offering health benefits to people with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level who would otherwise be eligible to purchase coverage through the state's health insurance exchanges.
In order to offer insurance coverage under the Basic Health Program, states must submit a blueprint to HHS describing aspects of the coverage, such as the minimum benefits offered, standard health plan contract requirements and premium standards, according to the final rule.
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