Exchanges eye the unbanked

In the dental plan market, all six carriers have agreed to take personal checks, cashier's checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, debit card payments and electronic fund transfers, but only half will take Discover or American Express cards. None will take cash.

California exchange officials estimate that about 1 million state residents have no bank accounts.

Officials fear letting QHP issuers choose whether to take cash could lead to antiselection problems.

Eventually, "Covered California and the plans want to implement common payment processes that will foster the enrollment and retention of all individuals, with particular attention to those who are unbanked," officials said.

See also:

• Credit cards causing headaches for exchanges
• States force jobless to pay needless fees
• Consumer Bureau Targets Overdraft Fees (The Hill)