An enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 gathered in Chicago last week for the National Children’s Health Insurance Summit hosted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS). Attendees included CHIPRA outreach grantees, individuals from community-based and provider organizations, national and state experts, and officials from federal and state government. The purpose of the event was to reinvigorate outreach efforts and share best enrollment and retention practices in Medicaid and CHIP.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and CMS Medicaid Director Cindy Mann kicked off the event by articulating the Administration’s commitment to covering children and challenging attendees to find and enroll the estimated 5 million of the 8 million uninsured children who are eligible but not enrolled Medicaid and CHIP.

Over the past dozen years, these programs have played a vital role in the health and wellbeing of America’s families as children faced loss of coverage through their parent’s employer-based insurance.  According to Jenny Kenney, renowned data expert at the Urban Institute, the percentage of children covered by their parent’s insurance at work declined from 65% to 58% from 2000 to 2008. During that time, the percentage of uninsured poor children also declined from 26% to 18%, and among near-poor children from 17% to 14%. (Dr. Kenney’s presentation will be posted on the conference website within 4-6 weeks.)

For two- and-a-half days, attendees explored the known barriers and proven and promising strategies to identify, enroll and retain eligible children. Sessions covered topics ranging from “finding rural kids in every nook and cranny” to “understanding that cultural diversity is more than speaking the same language” to “saving trees through paperless renewals.” Conference presentations and related materials will be posted on the conference website after undergoing a process to ensure accessibility for those with disabilities.

During the conference, CMS also unveiled plans for the new and improved Insure Kids Now website which is a resource for families and the myriad of organizations that support them. Cindy Mann also lead an encouraging discussion with representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the US Department of Agriculture, the Administration for Children and Families and the US Department of Education on how federal agencies can work together to cover more kids.

There were many great “ah-ha” moments and much positive energy surrounding all the sessions as advocates for kids’ coverage had the first opportunity in many years to immerse themselves in the possibilities. My favorite moment was hearing how Secretary Sebelius taught Elmo to sneeze into his elbow (oops Elmo doesn’t have an elbow!) It reminded me of the simple pleasures of childhood and how vitally important our work is to ensuring that all kids get the healthcare they need to grow up healthy and happy.