Nearly every U.S. state maintained Medicaid and CHIP coverage last year

New data shows that states have largely protected their Medicaid and CHIP programs even during economically tough times, which is great news for millions of needy kids and families. Though nearly every state has had to close daunting budget gaps following the recession, almost all have done so without reducing the eligibility for or benefits of vital health programs for low-income families.

Today, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, along with Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, released its an annual 50-state survey of Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rules, enrollment and renewal procedures and cost sharing practices.  The survey found that, despite continued fiscal pressures on states, eligibility policies remained stable in nearly all state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs during 2011.  Additionally, many states used technology to increase program efficiency and streamline enrollment.  The “maintenance of eligibility” requirement in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) played a key role in preserving coverage levels.  Without it, the survey found that more states likely would have limited eligibility or tightened enrollment procedures.

It is very encouraging that nearly every U.S. state continued to provide health coverage to low-income children and families, despite the weakened economy.  All states should provide quality health access at an affordable cost to these groups!

The full report on the 50-state survey can be read here.