Simplifying Medi-Cal Enrollment
June 2003
California HealthCare Foundation
Lewin contact: Lisa Chimento
The Medi-Cal Policy Institute commissioned The Lewin Group to study various ways in which the process for families applying for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, could be simplified. To apply for Medi-Cal, many applicants must provide documentation of their assets and income, which can serve as a barrier to successful completion of the application process.
Through interviews with county eligibility workers, advocates, state staff and others, Lewin developed several alternatives for simplifying both the assets and income tests. For five of these options, Lewin developed estimates of medical costs and administrative savings associated with the implementation of these initiatives. The results of the analyses are summarized in an issue brief, as well as in two detailed reports addressing each of the assets and income options. A technical report on the cost modeling is also included.