States implementing health insurance exchanges have the potential to affect health insurance options for children, and this could impact hospitals and providers as well, according to a National Governors Association report.
The report said states can pursue four concepts on children's health coverage as they create their insurance exchanges:
• Promoting continuity of coverage. Ensuring continuity of care between insurance exchanges, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program can be achieved by requiring health plans and providers to participate in all three markets, but incentives may have to be created.
• Creating a one-stop portal for public programs. Horizontal integration of social service programs can create easier processes. Only one information technology system and one application for enrollment would be needed.
• Maintaining benefit packages and cost-sharing requirements. Comparing benefit and cost-sharing structures can show where insurance exchanges may experience changes in coverage and financial accountability.
• Emphasizing outreach activities. Educating the public about health reform and the state exchange options could benefit all parties within the healthcare system.
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The report said states can pursue four concepts on children's health coverage as they create their insurance exchanges:
• Promoting continuity of coverage. Ensuring continuity of care between insurance exchanges, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program can be achieved by requiring health plans and providers to participate in all three markets, but incentives may have to be created.
• Creating a one-stop portal for public programs. Horizontal integration of social service programs can create easier processes. Only one information technology system and one application for enrollment would be needed.
• Maintaining benefit packages and cost-sharing requirements. Comparing benefit and cost-sharing structures can show where insurance exchanges may experience changes in coverage and financial accountability.
• Emphasizing outreach activities. Educating the public about health reform and the state exchange options could benefit all parties within the healthcare system.
Related Articles on Children's Health Insurance:
HHS Publishes 2 Proposed Rules Regarding Affordable Health CoverageHHS Awards $40M in Grants to Enroll Children for Health Coverage
House Democrats Urge Other Lawmakers to Protect Medicaid, CHIP