MCHD’S HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPROVED FOR EXPANSION

April 24, 2019

CONROE – Montgomery County Hospital District is pleased to announce the expansion of its Health
Care Assistance Program or HCAP. MCHD’s Board of Directors voted to approve the plan at Tuesday’s
regular board meeting. The new plan will allow HCAP to accept a larger number of applicants by
altering several of the factors for determining eligibility.

The four major changes to HCAP eligibility include increasing the income guideline from 133% of the
federal poverty income level to 150%, increasing the existing vehicle exemption, eliminating
prescription drug co-pays and adding medically-necessary Bi-Pap as a covered therapy within the
program.

MCHD HCAP Manager Adeolu Moronkeji is proud the Board of Directors approved the expansion plan.

“These changes work toward our goal of providing the right care, at the right time, in the right
place for HCAP clients,” Moronkeji said. “Our overall goal is to ensure they have access to the
best healthcare possible to improve their well-being.”

HCAP’s current plan covers up to 133% of the federal poverty income level which is $1,385 a month
for an individual. The new plan would cover 150% which is $1,562 for the same individual. This will
allow HCAP to greater assist lower-income residents who currently fall in a healthcare coverage gap
between HCAP and Medicaid.

The increased threshold for the vehicle exemption will allow coverage for someone whose only asset
may be their car. HCAP employees found some applicants were previously turned away because of an
automobile that had retained its value.

The new plan also eliminates the $7.50-$12.50 co-pays (depending on medication types) on the three
covered medications for HCAP clients. This frees up additional income for other household or
medical expenses.

Lastly, the new plan provides coverage for medically-necessary Bi-Pap therapy. On the current plan,
clients who were no longer benefiting from C-Pap therapy would have a weeks-long wait to be
approved for Bi-Pap therapy. This eliminates the additional approval and waiting period.

HCAP’s expansion plan will take effect June 1, 2019.

MCHD Board Chairman Mark Cole, Position 1 At-Large, agrees these changes were needed to greater
care for lower-income residents of Montgomery County.

“These are giant steps forward,” Cole said. “My personal [take] is this is the beginning of radical
improvements to the program.”

The MCHD Board also approved the funding for a pilot program to offer rides to medical appointments
or a pharmacy for HCAP clients who do not have other access to a vehicle or driver. This program is
still in the planning stages and will not be implemented until further Board approval.

Montgomery County Hospital District’s mission is to care for the indigent and provide EMS services
while protecting the interest of taxpayers and ensuring long-term stability through fund
development.

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