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Jee, J. & Menges, J. (2003). The California Working Disabled Program: Lessons Learned, Looking Ahead, Oakland, CA: Lewin Group, for the Medical Policy Institute.
Abstract
This report describes a study whose immediate goal was to identify factors that might explain why, less than 2 years after its implementation, enrollment in California’s Medicaid Buy-In program reached only 10% of anticipated enrollment. To attempt to explain this, two types of analyses were conducted: qualitative research with enrollee and with county eligibility workers, and a quantitative study of Census Bureau and DHS data to model program eligibility alternatives that might allow more disabled workers to obtain coverage. The enrollment and cost implications of these alternatives were also explored.
The California Working Disabled Medi-Cal Buy-In Program (CWD) was implemented in April 2000 to enable disabled individuals to participate in the workforce without the threat of losing their Medi-Cal coverage. However, as of June 2002, enrollment in CWD is far below original enrollment estimates and the number of individuals estimated to be eligible. This report examines some factors potentially affecting enrollment in CWD, and estimates the enrollment and cost impacts of certain programmatic changes.
The report conducts a qualitative review of stakeholders’ experience with CWD, as well as a quantitative analysis of Census Bureau and DHS data to model program eligibility alternatives that might allow more disabled workers in California to access Medi-Cal coverage.
The report identified several elements which might increase enrollment of the current CWD program, such as increasing program outreach to potential enrollees, improving eligibility worker knowledge of CWD, improving program attractiveness, and addressing barriers to employment for disabled people.
The report concludes that enrollment would not likely increase if eligibility requirements are expanded without also expanding program outreach and improving community and eligibility worker awareness of CWD.
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contact:
California HealthCare Foundation
476 Ninth Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510/286-8976
The Document is available on their website at the following link.
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