An Interactive Conference Call Discussing the Benefits and Provisions of the Affordable Care Act
Hosted By the HHS Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Tuesday, August 23, at 8 pm ET
Wednesday, August 31, at 12:30 pm ET
Wednesday, September 14, at 12:30 pm ET
To attend, please RSVP to partnerships@hhs.gov.
Showing posts with label FAMIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAMIS. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
VIRGINIA’S PRE-EXISTING CONDITION INSURANCE PLAN
Eligible residents of Virginia can apply for health insurance coverage through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Congress created the temporary PCIP program as part of the Affordable Care Act to help uninsured Americans with a variety of medical conditions get affordable coverage rather than be locked out of the system by insurance companies. In 2014 and beyond, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition and new competitive marketplaces called Health Insurance Exchanges will give people the opportunity to shop for the policy that best suits their needs. Millions of Americans also will receive tax credits to help make coverage affordable.
PCIP provides Americans living with such conditions as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease the opportunity to obtain insurance coverage. The program covers a broad range of health benefits and is designed as a bridge for people with pre-existing conditions who cannot obtain health insurance coverage in today’s private insurance market.
To qualify for PCIP coverage:
• You must be a citizen or national of the U.S. or lawfully present in the U.S.
• You must have been uninsured for at least the last six months before you apply.
• You must have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition. Starting July 1, 2011, you can simply provide a letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating that you have or, at any time in the past, had a medical condition, disability, or illness. A denial from an insurance company is not needed!
PCIP covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available for you, even if it’s to treat a preexisting condition.
New Virginia Premium Rates (July 1, 2011) are lower and much more affordable
Age Standard Option Extended Option HSA Option
0 to 18 $93 $125 $97
19 to 34 $140 $188 $145
35 to 44 $168 $226 $174
45 to 54 $214 $288 $222
55+ $297 $401 $309
In addition to your monthly premium, you will pay other costs. Before most medical benefits are covered, you must first pay a deductible, which varies by your plan option. (see below). But, there is no deductible for preventive services, which can start right away. You will also pay copayments (e.g. $25 for doctor visits; $4 to $40 for most prescription drugs), and 20% of the costs of any other covered benefits you get. Your out-of-pocket costs cannot be more than $5,950 per year. These costs may be higher, if you go outside the plan’s network.
2011 Standard Plan - The 2011 Standard Plan now has two separate deductibles -- a $2,000 medical deductible and $500 drug deductible. The reduced pharmacy deductible is particularly helpful for people who take one or more maintenance medications.
2011 Extended Plan - The Extended Plan has a $1,000 medical deductible and $250 drug deductible plan. Like the Standard Plan, separating the drug and medical deductibles makes this option more valuable for enrollees with one or more maintenance medications.
Health Savings Account Option - The HSA Option has a $2,500 deductible and is eligible to receive favorable tax treatment by the federal government when used with a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Child-Only Rate -To ensure that children have more affordable access to coverage, HHS has established premiums targeted for covering children under PCIP, creating a child-only rate for PCIP enrollees between 0-18 years of age.
For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on “Find Your State.” Then select Virginia from the map or drop-down menu. The PCIP Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Call toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).
Congress created the temporary PCIP program as part of the Affordable Care Act to help uninsured Americans with a variety of medical conditions get affordable coverage rather than be locked out of the system by insurance companies. In 2014 and beyond, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition and new competitive marketplaces called Health Insurance Exchanges will give people the opportunity to shop for the policy that best suits their needs. Millions of Americans also will receive tax credits to help make coverage affordable.
PCIP provides Americans living with such conditions as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease the opportunity to obtain insurance coverage. The program covers a broad range of health benefits and is designed as a bridge for people with pre-existing conditions who cannot obtain health insurance coverage in today’s private insurance market.
To qualify for PCIP coverage:
• You must be a citizen or national of the U.S. or lawfully present in the U.S.
• You must have been uninsured for at least the last six months before you apply.
• You must have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition. Starting July 1, 2011, you can simply provide a letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating that you have or, at any time in the past, had a medical condition, disability, or illness. A denial from an insurance company is not needed!
PCIP covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available for you, even if it’s to treat a preexisting condition.
New Virginia Premium Rates (July 1, 2011) are lower and much more affordable
Age Standard Option Extended Option HSA Option
0 to 18 $93 $125 $97
19 to 34 $140 $188 $145
35 to 44 $168 $226 $174
45 to 54 $214 $288 $222
55+ $297 $401 $309
In addition to your monthly premium, you will pay other costs. Before most medical benefits are covered, you must first pay a deductible, which varies by your plan option. (see below). But, there is no deductible for preventive services, which can start right away. You will also pay copayments (e.g. $25 for doctor visits; $4 to $40 for most prescription drugs), and 20% of the costs of any other covered benefits you get. Your out-of-pocket costs cannot be more than $5,950 per year. These costs may be higher, if you go outside the plan’s network.
2011 Standard Plan - The 2011 Standard Plan now has two separate deductibles -- a $2,000 medical deductible and $500 drug deductible. The reduced pharmacy deductible is particularly helpful for people who take one or more maintenance medications.
2011 Extended Plan - The Extended Plan has a $1,000 medical deductible and $250 drug deductible plan. Like the Standard Plan, separating the drug and medical deductibles makes this option more valuable for enrollees with one or more maintenance medications.
Health Savings Account Option - The HSA Option has a $2,500 deductible and is eligible to receive favorable tax treatment by the federal government when used with a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Child-Only Rate -To ensure that children have more affordable access to coverage, HHS has established premiums targeted for covering children under PCIP, creating a child-only rate for PCIP enrollees between 0-18 years of age.
For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on “Find Your State.” Then select Virginia from the map or drop-down menu. The PCIP Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Call toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).
Health Care Information
In your work/discussions about health reform and ways to address the federal deficit without decimating federal health programs, here are some “home grown” resources that may be useful to you and your networks.
John McInerney’s (Commonwealth Institute) Op Ed regarding the importance of the federal “Maintenance of Effort Requirement” to protect current Medicaid and FAMIS eligibility.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/may/19/TDOPIN02-mcinerney-budgeted-savings-would-mean-los-ar-1048613
My Op Ed on health reform and its impact/implementation in Virginia.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/jun/05/TDCOMM03-health-care-reform-brings-home-many-benef-ar-1084400
The Op Ed is a much abbreviated version of my commentary on the Affordable Care Act, which appears in the current issue of the Virginia News Letter, published by the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
www.coopercenter.org/publications/VANsltr0518
John McInerney’s (Commonwealth Institute) Op Ed regarding the importance of the federal “Maintenance of Effort Requirement” to protect current Medicaid and FAMIS eligibility.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/may/19/TDOPIN02-mcinerney-budgeted-savings-would-mean-los-ar-1048613
My Op Ed on health reform and its impact/implementation in Virginia.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/jun/05/TDCOMM03-health-care-reform-brings-home-many-benef-ar-1084400
The Op Ed is a much abbreviated version of my commentary on the Affordable Care Act, which appears in the current issue of the Virginia News Letter, published by the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
www.coopercenter.org/publications/VANsltr0518
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
CHIP and the Affordable Care Act, by State
September 3, 2010
Today, the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and the Maximizing Enrollment for Kids program announced support of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' goal to enroll the five million children who are uninsured, but eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). NASHP is the National Program Office for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Maximizing Enrollment for Kids. Coinciding with the HHS challenge announcement, NASHP also released its State CHIP fact sheets http://nashp.org/node/2089 . The fact sheets, developed from data collected in a 2008 NASHP survey and supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, provide a profile of program characteristics, including adoption of key enrollment strategies.
Today, the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and the Maximizing Enrollment for Kids program announced support of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' goal to enroll the five million children who are uninsured, but eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). NASHP is the National Program Office for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Maximizing Enrollment for Kids. Coinciding with the HHS challenge announcement, NASHP also released its State CHIP fact sheets http://nashp.org/node/2089 . The fact sheets, developed from data collected in a 2008 NASHP survey and supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, provide a profile of program characteristics, including adoption of key enrollment strategies.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cover the Uninsured
Its Back to School time again!
It's time to get ready for Back-to-School! More than 9 million children are living without health insurance. Now that health reform has passed, we must continue enrolling kids into programs such as the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) and Medicaid to give parents the peace of mind that they can get care for their kids when they need it. Here are some ways to get involved, go to http://covertheuninsured.org/
It's time to get ready for Back-to-School! More than 9 million children are living without health insurance. Now that health reform has passed, we must continue enrolling kids into programs such as the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) and Medicaid to give parents the peace of mind that they can get care for their kids when they need it. Here are some ways to get involved, go to http://covertheuninsured.org/
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
WebEx training session
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will be conducting a special WebEx training session for the Virginia Perinatal Council members on the basics of public health insurance for pregnant women and newborns. DMAS staff will cover basics on eligibility for pregnant women and newborns, the application process and any special rules for pregnant women and newborns. DMAS staff will cover tips that the Perinatal Council members may chose to take action on to help individuals expedite their application process. There will also be time for questions and answers at the end of the session.
The WebEx is open to all Perinatal Council members. There are slots for 50 registrants (across the state), so if there are those who will be viewing together from one computer, it would be helpful for only one to register (as to only take one registration slot).
Mary Wilt, BSN, RN, CCM
Coordinator, Eastern VA Perinatal Council, EVMS
757-446-6060
WiltMK@evms.edu
www.evms.edu/evpc
The WebEx is open to all Perinatal Council members. There are slots for 50 registrants (across the state), so if there are those who will be viewing together from one computer, it would be helpful for only one to register (as to only take one registration slot).
Mary Wilt, BSN, RN, CCM
Coordinator, Eastern VA Perinatal Council, EVMS
757-446-6060
WiltMK@evms.edu
www.evms.edu/evpc
Friday, April 30, 2010
We Need You! Provider Action Team
Everyday you or your organization help the vulnerable in our community to access healthcare. Throughout Hampton Roads, partners like you are enrolling patients into health insurance programs; providing medical care at a local health department, doctor’s office or emergency room; arranging transportation for health-related appointments; or helping someone understand the importance of having a medical home . Yet, many children and their families are still unable to access affordable, quality healthcare and other services in our community. Working together, we can find solutions to improve access to care.
To develop and implement comprehensive policies and strategies to improve access to care for children and their families, we need your knowledge and experience as a member of the Provider Action Team! By joining this team, you can:
- Provide a better understanding of your/your organization’s programs and services
- Play an integral role in shaping and developing regional initiatives that will impact the communities of Hampton Roads
- Expand your network of resources and connect with other professionals in your field at the local, regional and state levels
We need people like you who can provide your unique perspective of transportation systems, social services, community outreach organizations, or public and private healthcare to join our Provider Action Team. If you personally cannot join, please consider selecting another representative from your organization to join.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Health Care Reform or No, Virginia Can Cover More Kids
New Report Details How and Why Virginia Should Maximize Federal Funding for FAMIS
RICHMOND -- A new law passed by Congress earlier this year provides an immediate opportunity for the state to improve the successful Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program and cover more of the 129,000 uninsured children in Virginia. But if the General Assembly and the Governor don’t take the required action, some of the funding could disappear in less than two years. A new report from The Commonwealth Institute details the changes in the law and how Virginia should leverage the maximum funding available to help protect the health of Virginia’s children......
Check out our new report:
Covering More Kids in Virginia
RICHMOND -- A new law passed by Congress earlier this year provides an immediate opportunity for the state to improve the successful Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program and cover more of the 129,000 uninsured children in Virginia. But if the General Assembly and the Governor don’t take the required action, some of the funding could disappear in less than two years. A new report from The Commonwealth Institute details the changes in the law and how Virginia should leverage the maximum funding available to help protect the health of Virginia’s children......
Check out our new report:
Covering More Kids in Virginia
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Cover the Uninsured Week" 2009
Cover the Uninsured Week Dates Selected for 2009
The seventh annual Cover the Uninsured Week will take place March 22-28, 2009, in cities and towns across the country. Our event planning center and online resources are available year-round to assist in your outreach efforts at this crucial time for health reform.
The seventh annual Cover the Uninsured Week will take place March 22-28, 2009, in cities and towns across the country. Our event planning center and online resources are available year-round to assist in your outreach efforts at this crucial time for health reform.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ten Years and Counting: What Have We Learned About Enrolling Kids in SCHIP and Medicaid?
This panel covered the findings of a forthcoming National Academy for State Health Policy paper -- speakers used a decade's worth of data to try to answer the question, "how we can become more effective in enrolling the kids who are eligible for public programs?" Three states also shared their experiences in improving health and health care for children.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=2807
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=2807
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"Cover the Uninsured Event"
Join CINCH for the unveiling of our video and still-picture documentary of the families and community partners that make Virginia's FAMIS a success in Hampton Roads. There will be an open brunch from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, then the program & reception 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The keynote speaker will be Dr. John Morgan, recently appointed as executive director of Voices for Virginia's children. On May 1, 2008 at the Commodore Theatre in Portsmoth from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. For more information contact cinch@evms.edu
Thursday, March 20, 2008
FAMIS - Update on proposal
I’m pleased to report that the Budget Conferees accepted the Senate’s proposal to increase FAMIS Mom’s eligibility to 200% FPL on July 1, 2009!!
Both the House and Senate adopted the conference report, and this should not be an issue at the reconvened session on April 23rd.
We’ve been trying to reach 200% for several years – so, even with the delayed implementation – our goal is now set to become a reality.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators, budget conferees, and Senate HHR members for this important action.
Thank you for all your help during the session.
Jill
Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center
Both the House and Senate adopted the conference report, and this should not be an issue at the reconvened session on April 23rd.
We’ve been trying to reach 200% for several years – so, even with the delayed implementation – our goal is now set to become a reality.
Please take a moment to thank your legislators, budget conferees, and Senate HHR members for this important action.
Thank you for all your help during the session.
Jill
Jill A. Hanken, Staff Attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center
Monday, February 18, 2008
2008 CINCH Cover the Uninsured Event
Reaching the Uninsured: Story of Community
SAVE THE DATE – May 1st – 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Join CINCH for the unveiling of a video and still picture documentary of the families impacted by FAMIS and the story of our local community efforts in Hampton Roads to reach these families. The event will take place at the Commodore Theater in Portsmouth. RSVP is required. For more information or to RSVP contact CINCH@evms.edu or Carol Jones at 668-6472.
For more information on Cover the Uninsured Week visit: www.covertheuninsured.org
To hear the story of a local family helped by CINCH's Project Connect featured nationally on the CTU website: http://covertheuninsured.org/stories/index.php?StoryID=58
To see last pictures from last year's gallery: http://pediatrics.evms.edu/famisfaces.htm
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Earned Income Tax Credit Help - FAMIS Outreach Onsite!
This information may be helpful to partners with lower income families needing tax preparation assistance. Additionally, CINCH is partnering with the South Hampton Roads Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition to provide FAMIS Outreach to families at 12 sites and also at the awareness day event.
The earned income tax credit is a special credit for lower income workers to reduce their federal income tax. Attend the National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day event at the Norfolk Workforce Development Center, 201 East Little Creek Road on Thursday, January 31st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm to find out if you qualify for the EITC and get your taxes done for FREE! There will also be representatives from the Norfolk Voter Registration Office, Access Partnership, The Up Center (formerly Child and Family Services of Eastern Virginia), and Virginia Individual Development Accounts Program to provide information about their agencies. Visit shreitc.com for more information.
The earned income tax credit is a special credit for lower income workers to reduce their federal income tax. Attend the National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day event at the Norfolk Workforce Development Center, 201 East Little Creek Road on Thursday, January 31st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm to find out if you qualify for the EITC and get your taxes done for FREE! There will also be representatives from the Norfolk Voter Registration Office, Access Partnership, The Up Center (formerly Child and Family Services of Eastern Virginia), and Virginia Individual Development Accounts Program to provide information about their agencies. Visit shreitc.com for more information.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
CINCH Needs Your Help - 2007 Salvation Army Toy Drive
For the past 3 years, CINCH has partnered with the Salvation Army Toy Drive to provide screening for health insurance for the many children who will be receiving toys from the drive. We’ve enrolled hundreds of children in FAMIS from this partnership outreach over the past 3 years, and screened over 30,000 families. Many of you have volunteered in years past – thank you! We are asking CINCH members and partners to volunteer for one (or more!) three hour shift.
CINCH invites YOU to volunteer during the 2007 Salvation Army’s Toy Drive. No prior experience is needed. All you need is a smiling face and willing heart!
WHAT:Volunteers (YOU!) will ask families standing in line if their children have health insurance or not, hand out materials and complete a brief referral form with the parents of children who need health insurance that would like assistance. They will then direct the family to the “right” location at the Toy Drive to get their assistance. CINCH will have one lead person on hand to orient volunteers on site. We need 2 volunteers on weekdays, and 4 volunteers on Friday/Saturday, as these are the highest volume days.
WHEN:Fri. 12/14 and Sat. 12/15; Mon. 12/17 thru Sat. 12/22
WHERE:4725 Virginia Beach Blvd. (former HQ bldg. in Pembroke area)
The volunteer time schedule is set in 3 hr. blocks. 9 am -12 pm (noon)
and 1 pm -4 pm. If you cannot spend three hours at a time, any amount of participation will be appreciated and we’ll work you into the schedule.
We will need at least 4 volunteers on Friday and Saturday. One person will be designated as a lead person. That person will be able to answer your questions and keep the staffing record.
Training information will be provided as requested. Contact us at 668-6447 to get an overview of the activity and information as well as the toy drive procedure. Materials will be provided: referral forms, brochures, clipboards, pens, etc.
Contact P. Smith at 668-6447 or email at smithpe@evms.edu
CINCH invites YOU to volunteer during the 2007 Salvation Army’s Toy Drive. No prior experience is needed. All you need is a smiling face and willing heart!
WHAT:Volunteers (YOU!) will ask families standing in line if their children have health insurance or not, hand out materials and complete a brief referral form with the parents of children who need health insurance that would like assistance. They will then direct the family to the “right” location at the Toy Drive to get their assistance. CINCH will have one lead person on hand to orient volunteers on site. We need 2 volunteers on weekdays, and 4 volunteers on Friday/Saturday, as these are the highest volume days.
WHEN:Fri. 12/14 and Sat. 12/15; Mon. 12/17 thru Sat. 12/22
WHERE:4725 Virginia Beach Blvd. (former HQ bldg. in Pembroke area)
The volunteer time schedule is set in 3 hr. blocks. 9 am -12 pm (noon)
and 1 pm -4 pm. If you cannot spend three hours at a time, any amount of participation will be appreciated and we’ll work you into the schedule.
We will need at least 4 volunteers on Friday and Saturday. One person will be designated as a lead person. That person will be able to answer your questions and keep the staffing record.
Training information will be provided as requested. Contact us at 668-6447 to get an overview of the activity and information as well as the toy drive procedure. Materials will be provided: referral forms, brochures, clipboards, pens, etc.
Contact P. Smith at 668-6447 or email at smithpe@evms.edu
Friday, October 12, 2007
Sign Letter to Congress for Children's Health and Human Needs by Oct. 15!
Sign Letter to Congress for Children's Health and Human Needs by Oct. 15!
If you represent a statewide or local VA group*: Please tell your Members of Congress to cover uninsured children and to fund human needs.
The President has vetoed the children's health insurance bill and has threatened to veto appropriations bills that fund critical human needs programs. The House will vote to override the President's State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) veto on October 18.
Please sign your organization's name to this letter by Monday, October 15 - to show your Congressional delegation how important it is that they
- vote to override the President's children's health veto;
- vote for vital health, education, nutrition, housing, and other social services programs and reject appropriations vetoes.
Click here to read the letter, to sign it, and/or to get more information:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/125/t/3748/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=31692
If you represent a statewide or local VA group*: Please tell your Members of Congress to cover uninsured children and to fund human needs.
The President has vetoed the children's health insurance bill and has threatened to veto appropriations bills that fund critical human needs programs. The House will vote to override the President's State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) veto on October 18.
Please sign your organization's name to this letter by Monday, October 15 - to show your Congressional delegation how important it is that they
- vote to override the President's children's health veto;
- vote for vital health, education, nutrition, housing, and other social services programs and reject appropriations vetoes.
Click here to read the letter, to sign it, and/or to get more information:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/125/t/3748/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=31692
Monday, August 27, 2007
New CINCH Staff: Penny Smith, Child Health Insurance Outreach Coordinator
Please welcome Penny Smith, who starts today as the new Child Health Insurance (Project Connect) Program Outreach Coordinator. Penny brings to our team experience as a county youth outreach and program coordinator with Washing ton State University, Michigan State University and the University of Idaho. She has earned her Practical nursing license in 2006 in Virginia and has been working as an LPN in Norfolk. As a former classroom teacher and Teacher's Trainer with the U. S. Peace Corps, Penny has long recognized the need for comprehensive health care as the essential element in both physical and emotional development of our children. Penny has extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community programming that will be an asset to CINCH’s Project Connect.
We are very excited to have Penny join our team and Project Connect Program. I’m sure that all of our partners will enjoy her easy manner and passion for children’s health. Please take a moment to welcome Penny to CINCH. You can contact Penny at SmithPE@evms.edu or 668-6447.
We are very excited to have Penny join our team and Project Connect Program. I’m sure that all of our partners will enjoy her easy manner and passion for children’s health. Please take a moment to welcome Penny to CINCH. You can contact Penny at SmithPE@evms.edu or 668-6447.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Impact of Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Requirements
We thought our members might be interested in the follow information and links to reports:
SUBJECT: Impact of Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Requirements
The following acronyms are used in this broadcast:
DMAS –Department of Medical Assistance Services
LDSS – Local Departments of Social Services
One year after the implementation of the federal Medicaid rule requiring documentation of United States citizenship and identification as a requirement for Medicaid eligibility, it appears that the rule has had the unintended consequence of creating barriers to Medicaid enrollment for eligible United States citizens. Proponents of the citizenship and identity requirement had originally believed that these requirements would prevent or limit non-citizens of the United States from accessing public financial assistance for medical services.
Reports from the states as well as the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicate that Medicaid enrollment has declined dramatically nationwide due to the requirement, as apparently eligible individuals continue to experience difficulties securing needed documentation. In addition, many states that had initiated simplified Medicaid enrollment processes, such as encouraging the use of mail-in applications, find that these simplification procedures are no longer as effective. The requirement to provide original documentation of citizenship and identity has led to a significant increase in the numbers of individuals making apersonal visit to their local departments of social services.
The Department of Medical Assistance Services recently attributed a decrease in the enrollment of children in Virginia’s FAMIS PLUS and SCHIP Medicaid Expansion to the citizenship and identity requirements. Between July 1, 2006 (the implementation date of the new documentation requirements) and June 30, 2007, the program experienced a net reduction of 9,527 children. Enrollment of children in FAMIS, which is not currently impacted by the citizenship and identity requirements, is reported to have increased by 3,818 children during that same time period.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has published a report on the impact of these new requirements entitled, “Unintended Consequences: The Impact of New Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirements on Virginia’s Children.” Parents surveyed for the report cited an approximate four month delay in obtaining Medicaid benefits for their children due to the barriers created by the citizenship and identity requirements. Parents also reported increased use of hospital emergency rooms for their children’s health care during that time. A survey taken by VHCF of parents who had applied for Medicaid for their children reported that 65% of noninsured children with a pending Medicaid application had some type of health care need that required medical attention while waiting to be enrolled in Medicaid.
The VHCF Report and the GAO Report can be found at the following websites:
http://www.vhcf.org/ and http://www.gao.gov/, respectively.
You can help by relaying the impact of the citizenship and identity requirements and can be an important resource to their local governing bodies and public officials as dialogue continues within Virginia communities regarding individuals’ access to government services. We encourage you to share this information with your local government officials.
SUBJECT: Impact of Medicaid Citizenship and Identity Requirements
The following acronyms are used in this broadcast:
DMAS –Department of Medical Assistance Services
LDSS – Local Departments of Social Services
One year after the implementation of the federal Medicaid rule requiring documentation of United States citizenship and identification as a requirement for Medicaid eligibility, it appears that the rule has had the unintended consequence of creating barriers to Medicaid enrollment for eligible United States citizens. Proponents of the citizenship and identity requirement had originally believed that these requirements would prevent or limit non-citizens of the United States from accessing public financial assistance for medical services.
Reports from the states as well as the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicate that Medicaid enrollment has declined dramatically nationwide due to the requirement, as apparently eligible individuals continue to experience difficulties securing needed documentation. In addition, many states that had initiated simplified Medicaid enrollment processes, such as encouraging the use of mail-in applications, find that these simplification procedures are no longer as effective. The requirement to provide original documentation of citizenship and identity has led to a significant increase in the numbers of individuals making apersonal visit to their local departments of social services.
The Department of Medical Assistance Services recently attributed a decrease in the enrollment of children in Virginia’s FAMIS PLUS and SCHIP Medicaid Expansion to the citizenship and identity requirements. Between July 1, 2006 (the implementation date of the new documentation requirements) and June 30, 2007, the program experienced a net reduction of 9,527 children. Enrollment of children in FAMIS, which is not currently impacted by the citizenship and identity requirements, is reported to have increased by 3,818 children during that same time period.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has published a report on the impact of these new requirements entitled, “Unintended Consequences: The Impact of New Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirements on Virginia’s Children.” Parents surveyed for the report cited an approximate four month delay in obtaining Medicaid benefits for their children due to the barriers created by the citizenship and identity requirements. Parents also reported increased use of hospital emergency rooms for their children’s health care during that time. A survey taken by VHCF of parents who had applied for Medicaid for their children reported that 65% of noninsured children with a pending Medicaid application had some type of health care need that required medical attention while waiting to be enrolled in Medicaid.
The VHCF Report and the GAO Report can be found at the following websites:
http://www.vhcf.org/ and http://www.gao.gov/, respectively.
You can help by relaying the impact of the citizenship and identity requirements and can be an important resource to their local governing bodies and public officials as dialogue continues within Virginia communities regarding individuals’ access to government services. We encourage you to share this information with your local government officials.
Opinion Poll: Nine in 10 Voters Want SCHIP Reauthorized
Opinion Poll: Nine in 10 Voters Want SCHIP Reauthorized
Poll Measures Public Perceptions of the State Children's Health Insurance ProgramA new poll released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Americans overwhelmingly support the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides states with federal funds to design health insurance programs for vulnerable children.
In this national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, nearly nine in 10 voters say they support reauthorizing SCHIP. In addition, a clear majority of survey participants support expanding the program's budget by an additional $35 billion over five years.
Read the news release.
View the full report.
From the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation email alert on: Health Insurance Coverage.
Poll Measures Public Perceptions of the State Children's Health Insurance ProgramA new poll released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Americans overwhelmingly support the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides states with federal funds to design health insurance programs for vulnerable children.
In this national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, nearly nine in 10 voters say they support reauthorizing SCHIP. In addition, a clear majority of survey participants support expanding the program's budget by an additional $35 billion over five years.
Read the news release.
View the full report.
From the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation email alert on: Health Insurance Coverage.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
CINCH ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT: SCHIP Reauthorization
Say YES to children!
Key recess messages
(1) As our children head back to school, Congress must help
make sure that young people have the health coverage they need
to succeed. Congress can do this by passing a strong $50 billion
SCHIP reauthorization. Six million children rely on SCHIP and
another five million uninsured low-income children would be
covered by new funding. These are God’s children – they need
our support.
(2) As people of faith, we will not tolerate politicians playing
politics with our children. We are all judged by how we treat the
least among us, especially innocent children. SCHIP has been a
great success with strong bi-partisan support since it began. The
faith community expects Congress and the President to say YES
to covering our children before SCHIP ends on September 30.
Responses to false and misleading claims
They say: The House bill cuts Medicare benefits for seniors to fund children’s health
􀃖We say: The House bill strengthens Medicare by reducing overpayments to insurance
companies, which is why it is supported by the AARP, the nation’s leading advocate for
seniors, and many other seniors’ organizations throughout the country. The House bill
eliminates windfalls to insurance companies while significantly improving the program
for all participants, a win-win for America’s children and seniors.
They say: The House bill expands health coverage to children in families earning $80,000.
􀃖We say: The bill sends needed funds to states to cover 5 million low-income children.
As private insurance has gotten more expensive, one state with high costs (New York)
offers subsidized coverage to uninsured children in higher income families. The
real story is that more than 9 of 10 children in SCHIP are in low-income families
earning less than $41,000, for a family of four.
They say: The bill allows illegal aliens to get government-funded health care.
􀃖We say: This is quite simply a false and misleading claim. Undocumented immigrants
are not eligible for insurance benefits under SCHIP or Medicaid. Neither the House nor
Senate bill changes this policy.
The House bill gives states the option to provide coverage to legally documented
immigrant children, a change that is widely supported by local and state officials
from both parties. The House and Senate bills give states more flexibility in how
they determine citizenship. This fixes a problem that has kept tens of thousands
of U.S. citizens from obtaining coverage. This change removes a barrier to
eligible children, but does not open SCHIP or Medicaid to undocumented children.
They say: This is a vast expansion of government health care, paving the way to
socialized medicine.
ô€ƒ–We say: This is about living up to our commitment to this nation’s children and
reducing the number of uninsured children from 9 million to 4 million – something
we can all be proud of. Families understand that it is getting harder to obtain
affordable coverage for their children. SCHIP has worked successfully
over the past ten years to reduce the number of uninsured children by
one-third without disrupting the health care system. SCHIP covers
children who would otherwise be uninsured and it is administered
through private insurance contractors, not government agencies. It
has had bi-partisan support since it was created.
They say: An increase in the federal tobacco tax hurts low-income people
􀃖We say: Tobacco taxes are a proven deterrent to youth smoking.
Raising the federal tobacco tax will save the lives of tens of thousands
of people, while saving all of us billions of dollars in unneeded medical
costs. Congress relied on tobacco tax revenue to create SCHIP in
1997 and should use it again to strengthen the program.
For more information visit www.coverallchildren.org
Key recess messages
(1) As our children head back to school, Congress must help
make sure that young people have the health coverage they need
to succeed. Congress can do this by passing a strong $50 billion
SCHIP reauthorization. Six million children rely on SCHIP and
another five million uninsured low-income children would be
covered by new funding. These are God’s children – they need
our support.
(2) As people of faith, we will not tolerate politicians playing
politics with our children. We are all judged by how we treat the
least among us, especially innocent children. SCHIP has been a
great success with strong bi-partisan support since it began. The
faith community expects Congress and the President to say YES
to covering our children before SCHIP ends on September 30.
Responses to false and misleading claims
They say: The House bill cuts Medicare benefits for seniors to fund children’s health
􀃖We say: The House bill strengthens Medicare by reducing overpayments to insurance
companies, which is why it is supported by the AARP, the nation’s leading advocate for
seniors, and many other seniors’ organizations throughout the country. The House bill
eliminates windfalls to insurance companies while significantly improving the program
for all participants, a win-win for America’s children and seniors.
They say: The House bill expands health coverage to children in families earning $80,000.
􀃖We say: The bill sends needed funds to states to cover 5 million low-income children.
As private insurance has gotten more expensive, one state with high costs (New York)
offers subsidized coverage to uninsured children in higher income families. The
real story is that more than 9 of 10 children in SCHIP are in low-income families
earning less than $41,000, for a family of four.
They say: The bill allows illegal aliens to get government-funded health care.
􀃖We say: This is quite simply a false and misleading claim. Undocumented immigrants
are not eligible for insurance benefits under SCHIP or Medicaid. Neither the House nor
Senate bill changes this policy.
The House bill gives states the option to provide coverage to legally documented
immigrant children, a change that is widely supported by local and state officials
from both parties. The House and Senate bills give states more flexibility in how
they determine citizenship. This fixes a problem that has kept tens of thousands
of U.S. citizens from obtaining coverage. This change removes a barrier to
eligible children, but does not open SCHIP or Medicaid to undocumented children.
They say: This is a vast expansion of government health care, paving the way to
socialized medicine.
ô€ƒ–We say: This is about living up to our commitment to this nation’s children and
reducing the number of uninsured children from 9 million to 4 million – something
we can all be proud of. Families understand that it is getting harder to obtain
affordable coverage for their children. SCHIP has worked successfully
over the past ten years to reduce the number of uninsured children by
one-third without disrupting the health care system. SCHIP covers
children who would otherwise be uninsured and it is administered
through private insurance contractors, not government agencies. It
has had bi-partisan support since it was created.
They say: An increase in the federal tobacco tax hurts low-income people
􀃖We say: Tobacco taxes are a proven deterrent to youth smoking.
Raising the federal tobacco tax will save the lives of tens of thousands
of people, while saving all of us billions of dollars in unneeded medical
costs. Congress relied on tobacco tax revenue to create SCHIP in
1997 and should use it again to strengthen the program.
For more information visit www.coverallchildren.org
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