The Affordable Care Act gives states the option ...

... of creating a basic health program (BHP) for people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Just two states — Minnesota and New York — offered a BHP for 2016, but the option appears to be popular. In January, more than 350,000 low-income New Yorkers began paying $20 a month or less for coverage through the program. More than 125,000 enrolled in Minnesota's BHP, Kaiser Health News reported Feb. 2. The ACA allows states to install a BHP for individuals earning between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, other government programs or employer-sponsored insurance (HEX 8/15, p. 5). While the BHP concept was outlined in the ACA, it wasn't until February 2015 that CMS issued final guidance for the 2016 plan year .