For the first time since 2007, the number of children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) declined in 2018, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Following a 2.2 percent reduction in enrollment, many states are reassessing their approaches to Medicaid and CHIP enrollment outreach and sharing best practices. States are turning to community organizations, schools, and social media to reach parents of children eligible for the public programs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently awarded $48 million in outreach grants to 39 recipients in 25 states to improve enrollment of children in public coverage. The agency now is accepting applications for an additional $6 million in grant funds that will be awarded to states and community-based organizations to increase enrollment of American Indian and Alaska Native children in Medicaid and CHIP.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
