CHIP Enrollment Increased 38% in Fiscal Year 2001, CMS Study Says

About 4.6 million U.S. children received health care coverage through state CHIP programs in fiscal year 2001, up 38% from fiscal year 2000, according to a report released Feb. 6 by CMS. In addition, state CHIP programs enrolled more than 230,000 adults under waivers first approved in January 2001, prior to which adults were not eligible. The report states that the increased enrollment primarily is due to states expanding their programs, the overall program's maturity and a streamlined enrollment process. Currently, 38 states and the District of Columbia provide health care coverage to children in families with annual incomes up to at least 200% of the federal poverty level, or $17,650 for a family of four. When state CHIP programs began in 1997, only six states covered children at or above 200% of the poverty level, according to an HHS release. CMS Administrator Tom Scully said, "We have worked with states to improve outreach efforts and to make it simpler for families to enroll." HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson added, "Since President Bush took office, we have given states more flexibility and freedom to develop [CHIP programs] that best meet the needs of their residents" (HHS release, 2/6). Earlier this week, a CDC survey said that the rate of U.S. children without health insurance dropped from 13.9% in 1997 to 11.2% in the first six months of 2001 (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 2/4). CMS' report is available online.