What's New from CCF
2009
(12/24/09)
Senate Approves Health Reform Bill
Read our new updated fact sheet for a description of the key Medicaid, CHIP,
and low-income provisions in the health reform bill passed by
the Senate on December 24, 2009.Key Medicaid, CHIP, and Low-Income Provisions in the Final Senate Bill
Blogs: What's in the Manager's Amendment for Kids? • 2009 Comes to a Close with Chances for Health Reform Looking Good
(12/7/09)
Wisconsin Opts for ICHIA
Wisconsin is making progress in ensuring that "covering all kids"
means "all kids." Read an interview with Jon Peacock, Research Director
at the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families, to learn how the
state is implementing the new option in CHIPRA that allows federal
funding for lawfully residing immigrant children and pregnant women.
Postcards from CCF - Wisconsin (ICHIA) • CHIP Tips: New Federal Funding Available to Cover Immigrant Children and Pregnant Women
(11/16/09)
New Poll Examines Questions of Affordability
A new survey shows that Americans are more concerned about making health coverage more affordable to families than keeping down the federal cost of health care reform. The survey also revealed a gap between what most families consider "affordable" health care coverage and the estimated costs of various proposals being considered by Congress.
Poll: Affordability and Health Care Coverage • Press Release • Blog: Families are Cutting Back Spending to Pay Health Care Expenses
(11/13/09)
Where Things Stand for Children in Health Reform
This fact sheet provides basic information on the coverage pathways for children and their families in the current health reform bills, HR 3962, as passed on November 7, 2009, and the Senate Finance Committee bill, as of October 19, 2009.
Children in Health Care Reform: Where Things Stand
(11/4/09)
House Health Reform Bill Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides a description of the key Medicaid, CHIP,
and low-income provisions in the merged health reform bill released by
the House and amended on November 3, 2009.
(9/15/09)
States are Weathering the Storm
Despite major fiscal challenges, and with only a few exceptions, states have held steady on children's coverage. In fact, close to half of states either expanded eligibility and/or made it easier to enroll in, and stay enrolled in, Medicaid and CHIP. This progress on children's coverage has important implications as the nation moves forward with health reform.
(9/11/09)
Making the Most of CHIPRA
CHIPRA has the potential to transform children's health care in the
United States. This report analyzes selected provisions of the
legislation that involve outreach and enrollment, as well as child
health quality and measurement and provides a set
of recommendations for the federal officials charged with
implementing the new law.Implementation Choices for the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009
Census Data Show Drop in Uninsured Children
The new Census report shows that the number of uninsured children in the United States is at the lowest level since 1987. In 2008, there were 7.3 million uninsured children, a decline of 800,000 from 8.1 million in 2007. While the figures paint an encouraging picture for uninsured children, the numbers are much more bleak for parents and other uninsured adults.Blog: Number of Uninsured Children Drops • Facts & Statistics
New Brief Highlights Children's Health Care Needs
Because they are growing and developing, children have a distinct set of health care needs that evolve over time and differ from those of adults. In the health reform debate, it is particularly important to consider how well private plans might meet children's health care needs.Children and Health Care Reform: Assuring Coverage Meets Their Health Care Needs • Blog: The Stories of Jacob and Isabel
Side-by-Side Examines Key Provisions of Health Reform Bills
This side-by-side compares the House bill as approved by the three committees of jurisdiction and the Senate HELP Committee bill. It focuses primarily on the provisions affecting children and low-income populations.Congressional Health Reform Legislation: Key Provisions Affecting Children and Families • Health Reform Legislative Proposals • Blog: House Committee Passes Bill
(7/17/09)
House Tri-Committee Health Reform Bill Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides a description of the key Medicaid, CHIP, and low-income provisions in the health reform bill drafted by the House Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Education & Labor Committees and released on July 14, 2009.Key Provisions in the House Tri-Committee Health Reform Bill • Health Reform Legislative Proposals • Blog: House Health Reform Bill
CHIP Tips: New Federal Funding Available to Cover Immigrant Children and Pregnant Women
This brief, the fifth in a series, examines the new "ICHIA" option under CHIPRA that allows states to receive federal funds for providing Medicaid and CHIP coverage to lawfully residing immigrant children and pregnant women regardless of when they entered the country.CHIP Tips: New Federal Funding Available to Cover Immigrant Children and Pregnant Women • CHIPRA Resources • Blog: Rhode Island's ICHIA Experience
Overview of CHIPRA Outreach and Enrollment Grants
On July 6, 2009, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Medicaid Director Cindy Mann announced a request for a first round of outreach grant proposals funded through CHIPRA. This brief provides an overview of the grants and the requirements for applicants.An Overview of the CHIPRA Outreach and Enrollment Grants • CMS Request for Proposals
(7/2/09)
House Tri-Committe Health Reform Bill Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides a description of the key Medicaid, CHIP, and low-income provisions in the health reform bill drafted by the House Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Education & Labor Committees.Key Provisions in the House Tri-Committee Health Reform Bill • Blog: Implications for Children • Health Reform Legislative Proposals
(6/26/09)
Summary of HELP Legislation
This brief provides a summary of the Affordable Health Choices Act, an analysis of its implications for children, and a chart outlining key provisions of the legislation. Future analyses will be released on other health reform bills.Senate HELP Committee Affordable Health Choices Act: Overview and Implications for Children
(6/11/09)
CHIP Tips: CHIP Financing Structure
This brief, the fourth in a series, examines important changes to
CHIP's financing structure under CHIPRA. The changes provide states
with the reliable
federal matching funds that they need to sustain their CHIP programs
and adopt signficant expansions.CHIP Tips: CHIP Financing Structure • CHIPRA Resources • Blog: CHIP Financing Vital to Kids Health
(5/29/09)
CCF Director Appointed to Direct Medicaid and CHIP; Joan Alker & Jocelyn Guyer to Co-Direct CCF
Cindy Mann, executive director of CCF, has been appointed director of
the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Joan Alker and Jocelyn
Guyer, co-founders of CCF, will take over as co-directors of CCF. CCF Press Release • HHS Press Release • Blog: Change
(5/29/09)
Blueprint for Addressing Children's Needs in Health Reform
Almost nine million children are uninsured and many more are at risk of not receiving the health care services that they need to develop and grow. To address these issues, children will need to be an integral part of the much larger debate now underway. This report, The Last Piece of the Puzzle, provides a blueprint of what children need from health reform.The Last Piece of the Puzzle • Press Release • Health Reform Resources
(5/15/09)
Wisconsin Leads in Online Enrollment
Wisconsin is a leader in the effort to create a quick and easy way for
families to find out if they are eligible for health, nutrition, and
other programs. The ACCESS
program also allows them to apply online, check the status of their
benefits, and report any changes. Read an interview with Angela
Dombrowicki, Director of the Bureau of Enrollment
Management, to learn more about ACCESS. Postcards from CCF - Wisconsin
(5/8/09)
Citizenship Documentation CHIP Tip Released
This brief, the third in a series released by CCF and the Kaiser
Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, examines changes to the
citizenship documentation requirements in CHIPRA. The new law extends
the requirement to CHIP, as well as modifies current requirements.Citizenship Documentation Changes • Putting the New CHIP Law to Work
CCF Launches a New Blog
With the rapidly shifting dynamic in the health policy world and an unpredictable economic environment, the CCF health policy blog, Say Ahhh!, will provide a good place to meet to share ideas, find solutions, and keep up with new developments.Say Ahhh! A Children's Health Policy Blog
CHIP Tips on the Medicaid Performance Bonus Released
CCF and the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured have released two briefs as part of a new CHIP Tips series. The series spotlights specific provisions of the CHIP law, with the first two focusing on the Medicaid performance bonus.Medicaid Performance Bonus • Medicaid Performance Bonus "5 of 8" Requirements • Putting the New CHIP Law to Work
(3/19/09)
CCF Releases a Report on Medicaid's Role in Health Reform
Health care reform is once again a front and center issue. While the
policy debates are just beginning, broad consensus exists that a newly
reformed system ought to build on the components of the current system,
including the Medicaid program. This paper considers ways of doing
this, focusing on three key areas: Medicaid eligibility and access;
cost, efficiencies, and quality; and overall financing.
(3/19/09)
Issue Brief on Program Management in Medicaid
At a time when states face severe budget constraints, this paper
provides recommendations for state and federal policymakers on ways to
improve the management of the Medicaid program. The report is part of a
series of issue briefs for CCF's Strengthening Medicaid project.
Increasing the Medicaid Program's Efficiency and Effectiveness: The Role of Medicaid Program Management
Washington Moves Forward to Cover Children up to 300% FPL
CHIPRA and the rescission of the August 17th directive are already making a difference in the lives of children and families in Washington. Applicants with income between 250% and 300% FPL will now receive coverage. Read an interview with Vicky McIntyre, whose child, Sarah, is now covered to see how Apple Health for Kids helps families struggling to provide health coverage to their children.Postcards from CCF - Washington • Washington Close-Up
(2/24/09)
Release of First FMAP Increases
The Obama Administration yesterday announced that it will release the
first $15 billion of FMAP increases from the economic recovery bill. The funds will be
available to states staring Wednesday, February 25 and apply to the
first two quarters of federal fiscal year 2009, subject to the
provisions of the Act. Read a state-by-state breakdown of available funds. House summary of the health provisions in or the full conference report of economic recovery bill • Resources on the Economic Downturn
(2/13/09)
Summary of new CHIP Reauthorization Law
The new law extends CHIP over a 4.5 year period and provides states with resources to cover an estimated 4.1 million otherwise uninsured children. It was signed by the President on February 4, 2009. The Center for Children and Families has produced a detailed summary of the law's provisions.Summary • CHIP Reauthorization Page
President Obama Rescinds August 17 Directive
On February 4, President Obama rescinded the CMS Directive originally issued August 17, 2007 that limited the ability of states to provide CHIP coverage to children with family income above 250 percent of the federal poverty level.Presidential Memorandum • CCF Statement • Directive Background
(2/4/09)
CHIP Reauthorization Bill Signed by President Obama
On February 4, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2, the CHIP
reauthorization bill that passed out of the Senate and House with
bipartisan support. The new law will result in over 4 million otherwise
uninsured children receiving health coverage. View the bill signing on C-SPAN or read his remarks.See the SCHIP Reauthorization page for news, bills and research.
(2/3/09)
Louisiana Makes Great Strides in Retention
Over the past decade, Louisiana has made a number of innovative changes to reduce the number of children who lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage at renewal for reasons not related to eligibility. In 2008, less than 1% of children enrolled in Louisiana's LaCHIP lost coverage due to procedural or administrative reasons. Ruth Kennedy, director of LaCHIP, shares her state's experience.Postcards from CCF - Louisiana • The Louisiana Experience: Successful Steps to Improve Retention in Medicaid and SCHIP
(1/23/09)
Congress Considers Increased Health Funding to States
Congress is debating an economic recovery package that would provide enhanced federal support for Medicaid. A CCF report shows how this support is needed to help states meet the needs of the 4.1 million people, including 1.2 million children, who have lost their employer-based coverage over the past year.Report: Keeping the Promise to Children and Families in Tough Economic Times • Analysis of Medicaid Assistance in House and Senate Packages by Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Analysis Shows Rhode Island Waiver Poses Fiscal Risks for the State
A joint report by CCF and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that the terms and conditions offered by the administration fail to take into account the impact of the recession in Rhode Island. The proposed five-year cap on federal funds is too low, making it likely that the state will have to make cuts in benefits, provider payments, or eligibility.Rhode Island's Medicaid Waiver: A Bad Deal for the State • Large Crowd Expected for Medicaid Waiver Hearing, Providence Journal, January 9, 2009