The Healthy DC Program was created as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Support Act of 2008, which was approved by the D.C. Council on June 3, 2008. The passage of Healthy DC reflects the commitment of Councilmember Catania to move the District closer to universal coverage for all D.C. residents by providing affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health insurance benefits for eligible District residents.
Healthy DC builds on the successful prior investments in Medicaid and the DC Healthcare Alliance and will make the District of Columbia a leader among the states in providing meaningful health insurance to its residents.
Eligibility
Designed to reach those uninsured District residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or the Healthcare Alliance, Healthy DC will be available to eligible District residents who reside in households earning under 400% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, Healthy DC will provide meaningful health insurance coverage for households that earn between $42,400 and $84,800 per year. The legislation requires eligible individuals to be uninsured for a period of 6 months prior to applying for Healthy DC, but exempts this requirement for a series of life changing events.
Funding
Healthy DC is based on a shared responsibility model between the District of Columbia and the individual enrollee. Enrolled individuals will contribute between 3% and 5% of their gross income toward Healthy DC. To ensure that funds are continually available to support the program, the legislation directs tax revenue collected from the 2% premium tax on health insurers plus 75% of the 2% premium tax collected from health maintenance organizations into the Healthy DC Fund. For maximum flexibility, the Healthy DC Fund allows for the deposit of additional monies to support the program.
Implementation
On November 12, 2009, the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) presented an update to the Committee on Health of its plan to implement Healthy DC. Director Dr. Julie Hudman outlined the schedule for an official kick off for the program in January 2010 and starting coverage in the spring. Dr. Hudman addressed the various contracting options that DHCF intends to pursue as well as the anticipated member premiums and benefits plans. The Committee is eager to continue working with DHCF as they further develop their strategy for implementation.
Department of Health Care Finance Healthy DC Implementation Presentation
Healthy DC in the News
D.C. Councilman to Propose Universal Healthcare Washington Examiner, April 1, 2008
D.C. Health Insurance Proposal to Subsidize, Require Coverage WTOP News, March 31, 2008
D.C. Plan Could Aid Uninsured Washington Post, March 29, 2008.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 23 November 2009 )
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