No current activity.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On July 12, 2007, Governor Sarah Palin (R) signed legislation that increases Medicaid/SCHIP eligibility for children to 175% of the 2007 federal poverty level. Eligibility had been set at 175% of the 2003 federal poverty level, which is equivalent to 154% of the 2007 federal poverty level. *
* S.B. 27, 25th Legislature (Alaska 2007). For bill text see: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=25&bill=SB27.

Improved Outreach and Enrollment. The FY 2007-2008 state budget, signed by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano (D) on June 25, 2007, lifts the “gag rule” in SCHIP that prohibited schools from participating in outreach and enrollment efforts. *
* H.B. 2789, 48th Legislative Session (Arizona 2007). For bill text see: http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2789 (Retrieved July 18, 2007).

Proposed Universal Coverage. In January 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) announced a proposal to provide universal coverage for all state residents. Modeled after the Massachusetts reform plan, the proposal would expand eligibility for the state’s SCHIP program to 300% of the federal poverty level for all children, including immigrant children. The proposal mandated that all adults purchase health insurance coverage and that parents ensure coverage for their children. Compromise legislation was passed by the General Assembly in December 2007, but ultimately failed in the state Senate. *
* For information on the Governor’s health care proposal, see: http://www.stayhealthycalifornia.com/. For information on the compromise legislation, A.B.X1 1 see: http://info.sen.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=abx1_1&sess=CUR&house=B&site=sen.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On May 31, 2007, Governor Bill Ritter (D) signed legislation that would provide coverage to all low-income children by 2010. In April 2008, the legislature passed S.B. 160 which expands Medicaid eligibility for children to 133% FPL and expands SCHIP eligibility from 205% FPL to 225% FPL. It gives authorization to expand SCHIP to 250% FPL subject to available funds. The legislation provides for presumptive eligibility and 12-month continuous eligibility for children. *
* Colorado Office of the Governor (May 31, 2007) Children’s Health, Higher Ed & High-Tech Tax Cut Bills Signed into Law Today. Retrieved June 7, 2007 at http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/may07/tax-cut-bills-into-law.html.
For text of the legislation, S.B. 07-211, 66th General Assembly (Colorado 2007), see: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/1AF412833E6BDC7387257
251007B87E1?Open&file=211_eng. For S.B. 160 see: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2008a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/EE9D222D73A97EF68725736300812716?Open&file=160_enr.pdf.

Improved Outreach and Enrollment: On June 26, 2007, Governor Jodi Rell (R) signed into law the FY 2008-2009 state budget that calls for the automatic enrollment of all uninsured newborns into either Medicaid or SCHIP, based on income. For newborns enrolled in SCHIP, premiums are waived for 4 months. The law also creates a single point of entry for children applying for Medicaid or SCHIP and provides additional funding for outreach. *
* Connecticut Office of the Governor. A Historic Budget for Connecticut Families and Businesses. Retrieved July 18, 2007 at http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?a=1809&q=385032. For bill text see: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/CGAbillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=8002

Enacted Expanded Coverage. In January 2007, the DC City Council approved a budget that would expand Medicaid/SCHIP eligibility up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The expansion was implemented in June 2007. *
* Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Support Act of 2006 passed by the DC City Council on January 19, 2007. Full text of act: http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20060727152635.pdf. For the approved State Plan Amendment, see: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/LowCostHealthInsFamChild/SCHIPASPI/i
temdetail.asp?filterType=dual,%20data&filterValue=District%20of%20Columbia&filterByDID=2&sortByDID=2&sortOrder=ascending&itemID=CMS1198588&int
NumPerPage=10.

Enacted Universal Coverage. On June 30, 2007, Governor Linda Lingle (R) signed legislation creating a three-year pilot program to cover all uninsured children not eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP through a partnership with the Hawaii Medical Service Association. This expansion follows an expansion in 2006 of the state’s SCHIP program, known as QUEST, to children up to 300% of the federal poverty level. *
* H.B. 1008, 24th Legislature (Hawaii 2007). For text of the legislation see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/HB1008_CD1_.htm. Also, Hawaii Covering Kids Newsletter, October 3, 2006, available at http://www.coveringkids.com/news/Section_248.asp.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On May 10, 2007, Governor Mitch Daniels (R) signed legislation that increases SCHIP eligibility for children with family incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The legislation also expands coverage to uninsured adults with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level using POWER accounts, which are structured similarly to health savings accounts. Due to a CMS directive that places new requirements on states seeking to expand coverage above 250% of the federal poverty level, Indiana limited its expansion to children in families with incomes up to 250% FPL. CMS approved the expansion on May 9, 2008. *
* Indiana Office of Governor (May 10, 2007). Governor Signs Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan. Retrieved May 11, 2007 at http://www.in.gov/gov/newsroom.html. Also, H.B. 1678, 115th General Assembly (Indiana 2007). For bill text, see http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/HE/HE1678.1.html.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On May 13, 2008, Governor Chet Culver signed legislation calling for coverage of all children in the state by 2011. The legislation expands hawk-I (SCHIP) from 200% FPL to 300% FPL beginning in July 2009. Cost-sharing will be established for children with family incomes between 200% and 300% FPL. The legislation also provides 12-month continuous eligibility for children. In order to improve outreach to eligible children, parents can identify on their tax returns any dependent children who do not have health care. If based on their income their children would qualify for medical assistance, enrollment information will be sent to them. *
* HB 2539. Iowa Legislature (Iowa, 2008). For bill text see: http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?category=billinfo&service=billbook&GA=82&hbill=HF2539.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On May 18, 2008, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed legislation to implement 9 of the 21 health care recommendations put forth by the Kansas Health Policy Authority. The legislation expands HealthWave (SCHIP) eligibility to 225% FPL in 2009 and 250% FPL in 2010 if funding is available. Cost-sharing requirements will be developed by The Kansas Health Policy Authority. *                                                                                                                               *H Sub SB 81. Kansas Legislature (Kansas, 2008). For bill text see: http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/81.pdf.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On July 11, 2007, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D) signed legislation creating the Louisiana Children and Youth Health Insurance Program, a separate SCHIP program that will cover children with family incomes between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty level. The legislation also provides additional funding for outreach and allows for presumptive eligibility and web-based applications and renewals for Medicaid, LaCHIP, and the new program. On February 27, 2008, CMS approved expanding coverage to children in families with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level with a 12-month waiting period. * 
*Personal communication with Ruth Kennedy, Medicaid Deputy Director, on May 4, 2007. H.B. 542. Regular Session of the Legislature (Act 407). For bill text see: www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/miscdocs/docs-119/Act407.pdf.

Proposed Improvements in Outreach and Enrollment. On May 29, 2007, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) signed into law legislation allocating funds to increase outreach to people who are eligible for public health coverage programs. It called for the implementation of a statewide public awareness and education campaign on the importance and availability of health coverage. The legislation also included measures to simplify application and renewal policies. *
* H.F. 1078. 2007 Legislative Session (Minnesota, 2007). For bill text see: https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=147&year=2007&type=0 (Retrieved April 2, 2008).

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On May 14, 2007, Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) signed legislation that would expand SCHIP eligibility from 150% to 175% of the federal poverty level. *
*9 S.B. 022, (Montana Legislature 2007). For bill text see: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2007/billhtml/SB0022.htm.
See news release: http://governor.mt.gov/news/pr.asp?ID=435. 

Enacted Universal Coverage. On June 23, 2008, legislation was passed that requires all children to obtain private or public health insurance within a year of the bill’s enactment. In December 2007, Governor Corzine (D) announced an expansion of New Jersey FamilyCare, the state’s SCHIP program, which allows children in families with income greater than 350% FPL to buy-in to the program at rates that are lower than what they would pay for comparable private insurance.*                                                                                                                              *S. 1557. 2008 Legislative Session (New Jersey, 2008). For bill text see: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S2000/1557_R3.HTM.  For the Governor's announcement see: http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/approved/20071219a.html.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On April 1, 2007, the state legislature approved the state budget for 2008, which included a proposal to expand Child Health Plus (SCHIP) eligibility from 250% FPL to 400% FPL. The state currently allows families with incomes above the eligibility threshold to buy-in to SCHIP at full cost. It also included changes to simplify the application and renewal process.  CMS denied New York’s request to expand eligibility to 400% FPL but on April 23, 2008, Governor Paterson signed legislation that expands the Child Health Plus to 400% FPL using stand-only funds.*
* New York Office of the Governor (April 1, 2007). State Provides Access to Health Coverage for All Children. Retrieved May 1, 2007 at http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/0401074.html. S. 6808. New York State Assembly (New York, 2008). For bill text see: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S06808&sh=.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. In 2007, North Carolina enacted N.C. Kids' Care, which will expand coverage to children with family incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level. Due to a CMS directive that places new requirements on states seeking to expand coverage above 250% of the federal poverty level, North Carolina is exploring its funding options for the expansion. *
* HB 1473. 110th General Assembly (North Carolina, 2007). For bill text see: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/House/HTML/H1473v9.html (Retrieved April 3, 2008).

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On April 24, 2007, Governor John Hoeven (R) signed legislation expanding Medicaid/SCHIP eligibility for children from 140% to 150% of the federal poverty level. *
* North Dakota Office of the Governor (April 26, 2007) Hoeven: Legislature Passes Priorities For Growth, Education, Broad Based Property Tax Relief, Strong Reserves Important Bills Made Law For The Citizens Of North Dakota. Retrieved on July 18, 2007 at http://governor.state.nd.us/media/news-releases/2007/04/070426.html. For text of the legislation see: http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/60-2007/bill-index/bi1463.html (Retrieved July 16, 2007).

Proposed Expanded Coverage. On June 30, 2007, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) signed into law the 2008-09 state budget, which includes an expansion of SCHIP eligibility for children with family incomes from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level. Due to a CMS directive that places new requirements on states seeking to expand coverage above 250% of the federal poverty level, Ohio is exploring how to fund the expansion for children with family incomes between 250% and 300% of the federal poverty level. On April 1, 2008, Governor Strickland signed an executive order establishing the Children’s Buy-in Program, which will enable families with incomes above 300% of the federal poverty level to purchase public coverage for their children. *
* Office of Governor Strickland (June 30, 2007). Governor Signs First Budget Bill. Retrieved on July 9, 2007 at http://governor.ohio.gov/News/June2007/News630071/tabid/320/Default.aspx For text of budget legislation see: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText127/127_HB_119_EN_N.html. For information on the Children’s Buy-In Program see: http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/cbi/info.stm. 

Enacted Expanded Coverage. On June 4, 2007, Governor Brad Henry (D) signed into law the All Kids Act, which creates a premium assistance program within Medicaid for children with family incomes between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty level, to assist them in purchasing private coverage. Due to a CMS directive, Oklahoma will only provide premium assistance to children in families with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level. *
*Oklahoma Office of the Governor (June 4, 2007). Retrieved on June 6, 2007 at http://www.governor.state.ok.us/display_article.php?article_id=949&article_type=1. For text of the legislation see: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/SB/SB424_ENGR.RTF.

No current activity.

Enacted Expanded Coverage. A provision in the 2007-2008 budget passed by the state legislature in June 2007 created a separate State Children’s Health Insurance Program that expands eligibility to children with family incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. This provision was vetoed by the Governor, but the legislature overrode the veto. * 
* H.B. 3620, 117th General Assembly (South Carolina, 2007). For text of the legislation, see http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/appropriations2007/tap1b.htm#s8 (Retrieved July 24, 2007).

Improved Outreach and Enrollment. On June 15, 2007, Governor Rick Perry (R) signed legislation creating a community outreach campaign for SCHIP, extending continuous coverage for children from 6 to 12 months, and eliminating a 90-day waiting period, except for certain applicants. Additionally, as a result of a court settlement money will be set aside for Medicaid outreach and enrollment activities to boost enrollment of eligible children. *
* H.B. 109, 80th Legislative Session (Texas, 2007). For bill text see: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB109 (Retrieved July 18, 2007).

Enacted Universal Coverage.  On October 26, 2007, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) signed the state budget bill, providing health care coverage to all children. The legislation extends SCHIP eligibility to children with family incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Due to a CMS directive that places new requirements on states seeking to expand coverage above 250% of the federal poverty level, the state will use state-only funds to finance coverage of children with family incomes between 250% and 300% of the federal poverty level. Children in families with incomes above 200% FPL will be required to pay a premium, while those in families above 300% of the federal poverty level will be able to buy-in to the program at full-cost. *

*S.B. 40. 2007 Wisconsin Act 20 (Wisconsin Legislature 2007). For bill text see http://www.legis.state.wi.us/. For information on the Governor’s initiative to provide universal coverage to children, see http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/.