The evidence is clear that premiums that are unaffordable or charged at too low an income level are a barrier to enrollment and retention of health coverage. However, the approach to premium collection also plays an important role in helping low-income families and individuals secure and maintain coverage. In this new brief, CCF explores the various policies that relate to premium collection, grace periods and lockouts from coverage due to nonpayment of premium. As states seek to charge premiums at lower income levels in Medicaid, it’s worth a second look at how they administer premiums as well.