Because of budget shortfalls, states are reducing coverage and cutting reimbursement rates for programs like Medicaid. But Arizona became the first state to drop the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) altogether. (Source) Arizona will also reduce Medicaid coverage for childless adults. The state simply doesn't have enough money to operate SCHIP or continue to cover so many adults without children. Arizona's budget shortfall for 2011 is $2.6 billion. "Arizona is navigating … [Read more...] about Arizona Eliminates SCHIP
Search Results for: SCHIP
SCHIP Expansion in Health Care Reform
President George Bush twice vetoed versions of a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under the program, depriving low-income children of coverage. Republicans who voted against the bill also were concerned the bill would expand coverage to adults and illegal aliens. Last February, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum lifting SCHIP restrictions. Among the … [Read more...] about SCHIP Expansion in Health Care Reform
Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texas Senate approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) last week. The bill would raise the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered if the House approves the bill and the governor signs it into law. "Critics" of the bill are worried that parents who can afford private insurance will sign up for SCHIP, crowding out … [Read more...] about Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
Obama Reverses Bush’s SCHIP Policy
Last week, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum lifting President George Bush's directives on limiting expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), potentially adding up to four million children. (Source) Obama also signed a bill into law reflecting these changes. The new law reauthorizes and expands SCHIP, offers dental care to children who don't receive it under private insurance plans, and gives states the option to eliminate a five-year waiting period for … [Read more...] about Obama Reverses Bush’s SCHIP Policy
SCHIP Bill Would Bar New Physician-Owned Hospitals
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The measure, which passed by a vote of 289 to 139, would expand coverage for children from families with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty. Such an expansion would cover three million more children. The Kaiser Network reported yesterday that the House version of the SCHIP bill would prohibit the construction of new … [Read more...] about SCHIP Bill Would Bar New Physician-Owned Hospitals
Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Kaiser Network reports that the measure passed by a vote of 289 to 139. Children from families with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty level would qualify for SCHIP, a move that likely would cover three million more children. Under the bill, SCHIP would be extended for four-and-a-half years and cost $57.3 million, a … [Read more...] about Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
The state of California is considering temporarily stopping enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to avoid a $17.2 million deficit that will be caused by a glut of "new clients." The state in general faces an $11.2 billion deficit. (Source) Over 900,000 children in California receive health care through the program. The enrollment freeze would protect benefits for current enrollees and manage costs of the program. Lesley Cummings, executive director for the … [Read more...] about California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
Democratic Majority Will Seek to Expand SCHIP
Earlier this year, the Bush administration sought to prevent the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The president twice vetoed versions of the bill that would have expanded the program amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under SCHIP, depriving low-income children of coverage. Unable to override a presidential veto, Democrats decided to not pursue efforts to renew and expand SCHIP. With a Democrat in the White … [Read more...] about Democratic Majority Will Seek to Expand SCHIP
Congress to Postpone SCHIP
Earlier this year, the Bush administration sought to prevent the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The president twice vetoed versions of the bill that would have expanded the program amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under SCHIP, depriving low-income children of coverage. The Government Accountability Office studied the issue and concluded the administration violated federal law when it prevented states from … [Read more...] about Congress to Postpone SCHIP
House Seeks to Expand SCHIP Through Budget Reconciliation Bill
Although President George W. Bush twice vetoed bills that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Democrats in the House of Representatives are still trying to find ways to expand the program. (Kaiser Network) Last week, Charles Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the House budget reconciliation bill would include provisions to expand SCHIP and stop a 10 percent Medicare physician payment reduction. The measure would increase SCHIP … [Read more...] about House Seeks to Expand SCHIP Through Budget Reconciliation Bill
