CA SB703

Establishes the Basic Health Program to be administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, providing health coverage to eligible individuals under federal law authority in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Requires enrollment to begin January 1, 2014, with premiums not exceeding the second lowest cost silver plan on the California Health Benefit Exchange and cost-sharing limits based on federal poverty level percentages.

Creates the Basic Health Program Trust Fund to be funded by federal funds, private donations, premiums from eligible individuals, and other non-General Fund sources, with authorization for General Fund loans for startup expenses to be repaid by July 1, 2016.

Authorizes the department to contract with health plans, determine eligibility and benefits, set premiums and cost-sharing amounts, conduct outreach and enrollment, and ensure participation of safety net providers across geographic areas.

Requires an independent evaluation of the program by July 1, 2017, to assess benefits, premiums, cost-sharing, provider access, and impacts on the California Health Benefit Exchange, Medi-Cal, and Healthy Families programs.