| Article |
February 2005
www.mercurynews.com
LOW-INCOME FAMILIES LOSING HEALTH INSURANCE
Associated Press
A health insurance program for low-income families in Alameda County is shutting down.
Alliance Family Care began in 2000 and served working families who couldn't afford private health insurance but made too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, the state insurance program for the poor.
Officials announced a year ago they were scaling back because of financial constraints. The remaining 1,300 enrollees are going to be dropped from the plan at the end of June.
Officials say the 400 children involved will be automatically enrolled in a new insurance program called Healthy Kids, but about 900 adults will be on their own.
At its height in 2003, the program had about 6,000 adults and children enrolled.
The program was created through sate and local funds and foundation grants by the non-profit Alameda Alliance for Health. The program was launched at a time when the state had a budget surplus.
"Before we ever do something like this again, we have to think about the long-term sustainability," said Ingrid Lamirault, CEO of the Alliance.
Associated Press