Support for Kids' Health Insurance Programs Needed

from School Health Reporter, Fall 2004

CHP+ Program Reopened

On July 1, 2004, Colorado lifted the enrollment cap on the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), a health insurance program for children and pregnant women who meet specified income eligibility requirements.

The cap was put in place by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing in November 2003 and was due to state budget constraints that made funding for new enrollees unavailable. While current enrollment in CHP+ has fluctuated between 40,000 and 45,000 children, the state estimates there are approximately 40,000 additional Colorado children who are potentially eligible.  Despite this, enrollment has not increased significantly since the program reopened.

State officials cite families’ misconceptions that they make too much money to qualify for CHP+ as a primary reason. To qualify for CHP+, working families need to earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to purchase private health insurance. There is no asset test for CHP+, and to be eligible, a family of four can make up to $34,873 per year and a single pregnant woman can make up to $17,224 per year.

Another likely reason for the slow growth in enrollment is that families have not been made aware of the option to enroll. School health professionals can assist families in accessing health benefits through CHP+ by encouraging them to apply: 1-800-359-1991 or www.cchp.org.

Tobacco Tax Initiative to Fund Health Programs

Although the reopening of the CHP+ program to new enrollees is good news, there are no guarantees that funding will be available to keep the program open indefinitely.  Additionally, the Colorado legislature is still facing hundreds of millions in additional budget cuts in the coming year unless major changes are made to policies related to state revenues and spending.

Many individuals and organizations across the state have been working to develop solutions, and one of these solutions is a tobacco tax increase. By raising the excise tax on cigarettes by 64 cents per pack (and by raising the tax on all other tobacco products by 20 percent), proponents of the measure expect to generate approximately $175 million a year in new revenue. The money will be used to fund such various health-related programs as:

• expansion of public health insurance through Medicaid and CHP+
• development of tobacco education, prevention and cessation programs
• promotion of prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases
• expansion of comprehensive primary care through Community Health Centers and other clinics serving a high portion of uninsured and medically indigent

Additionally, it is expected that increasing the price on tobacco products will decrease the number of child smokers. Considering that 10,800 Colorado youths under the age of 18 become smokers each year, it is clear this issue needs our attention. Colorado voters will have the opportunity to vote on the tobacco tax on the November ballot.

Speak Up for Kids!

The Children’s Hospital is committed to advocating on behalf of the health, safety and well-being of Colorado ’s children. A candidate survey, voter registration, informative events and a full-day legislative advocacy training are just a few of the many opportunities Children’s will provide to encourage grownups to get involved and speak up on kids’ issues. For more information, visit Speak Up for Kids!