Ensuring children are insured
What is the problem?
Amidst the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government prohibited states from disenrolling Medicaid members. To maintain Medicaid coverage, beneficiaries are typically required to renew their eligibility once every 12 months. Prior to 2020, approximately 17 million people were disenrolled from Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) each year, not just due to eligibility loss but also because of procedural errors or delayed paperwork.
Why is it important?
During this time of continuous Medicaid eligibility between March 2020 and December 2022, the share of uninsured children in the U.S. decreased from 6.7% to 3.7%. This finding has prompted states to seek permission through Medicaid 1115 waivers to provide continuous eligibility for children. In 2022, Oregon became the first state to allow Medicaid-eligible children to enroll at birth and remain enrolled without having to reapply until their 6th birthday. This approach ensures children retain their health coverage, regardless of ineligibility or untimely completion of paperwork by parents or guardians.
What is the solution?
More states should expand continuous coverage for children through Medicaid 1115 waivers to ensure children maintain health insurance coverage. Coverage gaps increase the likelihood of having unmet medical needs. As of February 2024, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington have approved waivers for multi-year continuous coverage for children. Hawaii, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have requests pending with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.