As a result of three key actions, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) has determined that funding for the Healthy Families (HF) program is now sufficient to avoid disenrolling children as previously planned (see Aug. 28 CHA News). The final fiscal year 2009-10 state budget had reduced funding for the HF program by more than $170 million.

The key actions include enactment of AB 1422 (Chapter 157, Statutes of 2009), which provides revenue for HF through a gross premium tax paid by Medi-Cal managed care plans. In addition, HF program changes have been made and the First 5 California Children and Families Commission has committed to providing financial assistance.

As a result, MRMIB opened HF to new enrollment last week. HF is expected to take about 30 days to process applications and enroll children who have been on the waiting list. Coverage for the newly enrolled children will begin 10 days after enrollment. Contact: Anne McLeod, (916) 552-7536, amcleod@calhospital.org.