Authors: National Council of Urban Indian Health

Publication Year: 2008

Last Updated: 2010-09-16 11:21:06

Journal: NA

Keywords: HCR, health care reform, SCHIP, state children's health insurance program

Short Abstract:

As representatives of non-partisan organizations committed to improving health care for all children, we are writing to share our deep concern regarding the impact of the directive to states that was issued by the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on August 17, 2007. In particular, we are concerned that scores of children who are currently enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will lose coverage as a result of this policy change. Unfortunately, the letter CMS sent to states on May 7, 2008, which seeks to clarify the directive’s requirements, does not change the policy outlined in the August 17 directive and, sadly, does nothing to mitigate its impact. States still must overcome serious hurdles before they can provide SCHIP coverage to uninsured children in working families and children – even those who lose a parent or whose parents become unemployed – will be subject to a one-year waiting period before they will be eligible for coverage under SCHIP. We urge Congress to enact legislation that would impose a moratorium on the implementation of this directive.

Abstract:

As representatives of non-partisan organizations committed to improving health care for all children, we are writing to share our deep concern regarding the impact of the directive to states that was issued by the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on August 17, 2007. In particular, we are concerned that scores of children who are currently enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will lose coverage as a result of this policy change. Unfortunately, the letter CMS sent to states on May 7, 2008, which seeks to clarify the directive’s requirements, does not change the policy outlined in the August 17 directive and, sadly, does nothing to mitigate its impact. States still must overcome serious hurdles before they can provide SCHIP coverage to uninsured children in working families and children – even those who lose a parent or whose parents become unemployed – will be subject to a one-year waiting period before they will be eligible for coverage under SCHIP. We urge Congress to enact legislation that would impose a moratorium on the implementation of this directive.

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