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SCHIP finds success in enrolling kids, pleasing parents

States have boosted enrollment in the Medicaid-alternative program to 4.6 million children.

By Amy Snow Landa, amednews staff. Feb. 25, 2002.

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Washington -- In its first three years, the State Children's Health Insurance Program appears to have made steady progress in enrolling eligible children while also earning high marks from their parents.

About 4.6 million children were covered under SCHIP during fiscal year 2001, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The program covers low-income children who do not qualify for Medicaid.

The new figure, released in February, reflects a 38% increase over the 3.3 million children who were enrolled in fiscal year 2000, CMS officials said.

The latest numbers show that state and federal efforts to boost outreach and enrollment are paying off, the Bush administration said.

"Since President Bush took office, we have given states more flexibility and freedom to develop SCHIP plans that best meet the needs of their residents," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. The new enrollment numbers "show our strategy is working."

In addition, the administration attributes the increase to efforts by the states to expand their SCHIP programs and streamline enrollment.

Trish Riley, executive director of the National Academy of State Health Policy, agreed.

The new enrollment figure "certainly reflects that the hard work of states is working and the program is a success," she said.

SCHIP coverage is now available in 38 states and the District of Columbia for children up to age 19 whose family income is at or above 200% of the federal poverty level ($17,650 for a family of four). Other states have SCHIP programs but cover children at lower family income levels. Prior to Congress enacting SCHIP, only six states covered children whose family income was at or above 200% of poverty, and that was for infants only. [...]