State Activity
(10/1/09)
Alabama, Montana, and Oregon Implement Expansions, Arizona Rolls Back Parent Coverage
Starting today, Alabama will expand eligibility from 200% to 300% of
the FPL. In Montana, the eligibility level in CHIP will increase from
175% to 250% of the FPL. And in Oregon, children in families earning up
to 200% of the FPL will now be eligible for coverage.Also beginning today, children in Alaska will no longer have to be
uninsured for 12 months before they can qualify for CHIP. However, in
Arizona, parents with income between 100% and 200% of the FPL are no
longer eligible for coverage.
• Alabama All Kids
• Healthy Montana Kids
• Oregon Healthy Kids
(9/30/09)
HHS Secretary Announces Outreach Grant Awards
$40 million was awarded to 69 grantees in the first round of CHIPRA-funded outreach grants. Grants were awarded to applicants whose outreach, enrollment, and retention efforts will target areas with high rates of eligible but uninsured children, particularly those with racial and ethnic minority groups who are uninsured at higher-than-average rates. Grantees represent 41 states and the District of Columbia.• Secretary Sebelius Awards $40 Million to States to Find, Enroll Children in CHIP, Medicaid, Press Release (September 30, 2009)
(9/18/09)
California Reopens CHIP Enrollment
After freezing enrollment on July 17th, the state has reopened Healthy Families, beginning with the more than 80,000 children currently on the waiting list. The Legislature has approved a bill, which the Governor is expected to sign, that extends a tax to Medicaid insurance plans. Between this tax, increased premiums and cost sharing, as well as a contribution from the First Five Commission, the program should be fully funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.
• Healthy Families Insurance Program for Kids Won't Be Cut After All, Sacramento Bee, September 17, 2009
• Blog: Enrollment Reopens in California's CHIP Program
(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.
(9/1/09)
Nebraska Expands Coverage
Starting today, more children will be able to enroll in the state's Medicaid program, Kids Connection. The expansion increases the income eligibility level from 185% to 200% of the FPL.
(8/28/09)
Delaware Establishes Buy-In Program
The state established
a full-cost buy-in program for children above 200% of the FPL. The
program will include a 3-month waiting period for children over the age
of two and is estimated to cost families $170 per month, plus
administrative costs. The buy-in program will begin January 1, 2010.
(8/10/09)
Video Highlights the Impact of the Economic Crisis
The video, released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, profiles people in three of the communities hard hit by the recession: St. Petersburg, FL, Beloit, WI, and Long Island, NY. It examines the experiences of families, employers, safety-net providers, and community organizations.
• Watch: On the Edge: Health Care in a Recession
(8/5/09)
Oregon to Cover All Children
Legislation signed by the Governor yesterday expands Oregon's CHIP program from 185% to 200% of the FPL as of October 1, 2009. It also includes a number of simplification measures and provides funding to cover more adults. In addition, as of January 1, 2010, the state will expand coverage further through a private health exchange for children with family income between 200% and 300% of the FPL and offer a full-cost buy-in for children above 300% of the FPL. The expanded coverage includes lawfully residing immigrant children.• Oregon Becomes One of 12 States to Cover All Kids with Health Insurance, Oregonian, August 3, 2009
• Governor Signs Bill to Provide Every Oregon Child Access to Health Care, Press Release, August 4, 2009
See State Activity Archives