The State Children's Health Insurance Program: Guidance on Frequently Asked Questions

Publication Date: March 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA 97, P.L. 105-33) includes provisions establishing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) under a new Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The new federal-state program provides states with federal matching funds to expand health insurance coverage of uninsured low-income children. The program is authorized to spend a total of $20.3 billion in federal matching funds between fiscal years 1998 and 2002. This report is designed to provide background and guidance on the most frequently asked provisions of S-CHIP. These include questions on eligibility, benefits, cost sharing, state and federal funding, coordination with other health programs, and quality and accountability measures. This report will be updated periodically and is intended for a general audience.