By Joe Touschner
When I came to CCF in March of 2008, Senators Obama and Clinton were talking a lot about health reform on the campaign trail, but the Affordable Care Act was unwritten and still two years away from enactment. The median income eligibility threshold for children’s coverage across the states was 200% of the FPL and CHIP was relying on a short-term extension of its funding. Almost seven years later, state and national advocates for quality, affordable coverage have accomplished a great deal. States have expanded eligibility for kids, pushing the median threshold up to 255% of FPL (and cut a lot of red tape, too), in part due to the support provided by the 2009 CHIP reauthorization. And the Affordable Care Act was not only passed, but its coverage provisions have been put in place, bringing coverage to millions of families.
As I prepare to leave CCF this week, it’s been a great privilege to work with so many of the advocates and policy wonks who helped bring about these advances in coverage. I’ve learned a lot about Medicaid and CHIP policy and the ACA, but also about developing strategy, communicating effectively, and persevering in the face of obstacles. State children’s advocates have renewed my appreciation for the good work being done across the country, often out of the spotlight but with seemingly endless passion for improving children’s lives. My colleagues at CCF and our national partners have shown me the importance of digging into the details, whether it’s a question of just what CHIP covers or how exactly premium tax credits might apply to stand alone pediatric dental plans. Even with a law as scrutinized as the ACA, important issues are often left unresolved and can only be addressed when we take the time to understand the provisions, read those regulations, make constructive comments, and push policymakers to make choices that support kids and families.
It’s been an exciting time to work in health policy over the last seven years and while I’m moving on from CCF, I’m eager to continue to work in the field—there’s so much still to be done! CCF has helped me develop the habit of thinking ‘What does this mean for kids?” when considering a health policy change. I’m planning to hold on to this perspective—perhaps broadening it to “What does this mean for consumers?”—as I transition to working in the federal government with the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.
Thank you to everyone who has taught me so much and thank you for all your work to improve coverage!
