Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
States' Frustrations Growing As Funds Dwindle For Children's Health Coverage
The Hill: States Running Out Of Cash For Children's Health Insurance
Uncertainty about the future of an insurance program for children is sparking panic at the state level as officials scramble to keep their coverage going. Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired a month ago, and states are dipping into unspent money or asking for help from the Trump administration to maintain coverage until Congress reaches a deal to extend it. (Hellmann and Roubein, 10/29)
Arizona Republic: KidsCare On The Bubble As Ducey Makes Quiet Bid For More Money
Gov. Doug Ducey was not shy in making clear his position on repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act. But he's been quiet on another federally funded health-care program: the Children's Health Insurance Program, known in Arizona as KidsCare. It provides health coverage to kids whose families make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to buy insurance on their own. ... Arizona's KidsCare account is running on fumes. Boosted by an extra $22 million in leftover federal money, the program is still on track to run out of money by late November. That would force the state to kick more than 23,000 kids off the program. (Pitzi, 10/27)
