CHIP open to children of low-income State employees

Posted on November 7, 2011 | No Comments
Filed under Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Disparities, Health Insurance, Key Developments, Medicaid and CHIP

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Prior to passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), section 2110(b) of the Social Security Act excluded children who were eligible for health benefits coverage under a State health benefits program from CHIP. Over time, however, it became clear that in some States, children of State employees did not have access to affordable, comprehensive coverage options. Many of these children were within the income eligibility level of their State’s CHIP program. Section 10203(b)(2)(D) of the ACA amends the definition of a targeted low-income child by permitting States to extend CHIP eligibility to children of State employees who are otherwise eligible under the State child health plan. At least six states have taken advantage of the new provision.

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