Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has awarded $72.6 million to nine states for enrolling children in health coverage and improving their access to Medicaid and the state children’s health insurance program.
Funding for the “performance bonuses,” announced last week, was included in the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization (CHIPRA) law.
“In the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, decisive action in (the American recvovery and Reinvestment Act) and CHIPRA, along with focused state activity, helped ensure that children got the healthcare they need,” said Cindy Mann, director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations within the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Alaska, Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington received funds. Awards varied according to a formula set out in CHIPRA.
To qualify for the funding, the states adopted at least five of eight listed program features – like providing 12 months of continuous eligibility, using a joint application for both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and streamlining eligibility renewal processes – that are known to encourage enrollment and retention of eligible children. They also had to document significant increases in Medicaid enrollment among children over the course of the year.
A short-term boost in Medicaid reimbursement rates authorized by ARRA also provided relief to states with suffering economies, enabling them to extend care to eligible children.
“We’re happy to reward states that have taken important steps to help insure more children and made a real difference in the lives of families across the country,” said Sebelius. “These awards will provide crucial support and help states continue to serve children and families.”
Current state award amounts are:
- Alabama – $39.1 million
- Alaska – $789,000
- Illinois – $9.1 million
- Louisiana – $1.5 million
- Michigan – $3.7 million
- New Jersey – $4.2 million
- New Mexico – $5.1 million
- Oregon – $1.6 million
- Washington – $7.5 million