Member: Direct Care Alliance

 
This report from the Direct Care Alliance outlines the key coverage-related provisions of health reform, discussing steps that direct care workers, direct care associations, and others can take to ensure that the coverage provisions of health reform are implemented in ways that work for direct care workers and employers. The report makes advocacy recommendations for direct care workers during the implementation process. Some of the suggested paths include:
  • A state advisory committee on health reform implementation that includes direct care workers
  • That states take full advantage of new options in the law to streamline eligibility for Medicaid and subsidies for purchasing health care coverage in the exchange
  • The implementation of the Basic Health Plan option for residents with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty line
  • The establishment of a publicly administered health plan to compete in the exchange
  • The use of federal grants to fund and strengthen independent and effective Consumer Assistance Programs to help consumers navigate the new system.