SCHIP and Medicaid Expansion for Parents

Rationale

Because of a lack of access to employer-provided health coverage or prohibitive costs when such coverage is available, a large number of low-wage, working Americans are uninsured. Yet, the main source of public support for health coverage of the needy-Medicaid-is directed primarily at women and children, the disabled, and the elderly. Beginning in 1997, as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, all states began to expand health coverage for children as part of SCHIP. Under SCHIP, states can either use their federal allotment of funds to expand existing Medicaid programs or create new programs that fit specified criteria but offer more flexibility. SCHIP, however, often leaves behind the parents of these children. Recognizing that covering parents: 1) increases the likelihood that children will use health care and 2) is essential for the success of welfare reform, many states have acted to expand the eligibility of working parents under Medicaid and SCHIP.

About Measure

Eligibility level for publicly provided health insurance by percentage of poverty for parents (in 2001).

Source

Families USA. (2002). Disparities in eligibility for public health insurance: Children and adults in 2001. Washington D.C.: Author.