New Federal Law Expands Missouri’s SCHIP Allotment by 58 Percent; More Kids Eligible for Health Coverage

Cover Missouri publication outlines impact of child health insurance legislation

ST. LOUIS – Cover Missouri, a project of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH), has released a fact sheet that examines key aspects of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) and its significance for Missouri children.

The fact sheet is a reference tool for those seeking an understanding of the federal government’s reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP, known in Missouri as MO HealthNet for Kids). SCHIP provides health coverage for children whose family incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private insurance.

Below are some key provisions of the new law:
•Ensures that the 7 million U.S. children currently enrolled under SCHIP will continue to be covered, and allows for the enrollment of 4 million additional uninsured children.
•Extends the SCHIP program from April 2009 to September 2013.
•Increases Missouri’s SCHIP allotment by 58 percent, from $81.9 million to
$129.3 million in fiscal year 2009.
•Empowers Missouri policy makers to leverage federal dollars to enroll more of the state’s 150,000 uninsured children without the burden of substantial documentation.

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