Legislation has been introduced that would extend funding for the program through 2019 and make a number of program improvements aimed at increasing state flexibility with CHIP. However, given that funding is still an uncertainty, the National Academy for State Health Policy surveyed state CHIP directors to get a better feel for recent program changes, as well as state budgeting and planning, according to a news release.
The responses, which were collected last month, led to a number of key takeaways. For instance, the survey found that overall states assume that federal CHIP funding will go on but are looking at possible scenarios if it is not extended.
The survey also indicated that if funding is still uncertain after the spring, officials will have to start the process of closing their programs, which may mean discontinuing new enrollment or starting to let current enrollees know that the program will end.
Additionally, survey results revealed that additional state funds will be required if children enrolled in CHIP must transfer to Medicaid without the enhanced CHIP match, and time will be necessary for states to properly transition enrollees out of CHIP.
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