State Children's Health Insurance Program

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will expire in 2007, unless it is reauthorized by Congress. Reauthorization provides an opportunity to review how SCHIP works, examine what has been learned about children's health coverage in the last 10 years, and discuss what Congress must do to continue the progress made in reducing the number of uninsured children.

This page will be updated frequently, to keep you up-to-date on the reauthorization process and how your advocacy can make a difference in the future of this important program. Whether you're new to the issue and are only beginning to learn about SCHIP, or an old pro who's been following the program since its creation in 1997, there are resources here for you.

Brush Up on Your SCHIP Knowledge

SCHIP 101: What Is the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and How Does It Work? explains the basics about SCHIP, including who qualifies for SCHIP, how SCHIP is financed, and whether eligible are children getting enrolled. (November 2006)
SCHIP and Children's Health Coverage: Fitting the Pieces Together examines where children, including low-income children, get their health coverage, as well as how SCHIP and Medicaid have reduced the number of uninsured children. (November 2006)
SCHIP and Children's Health Coverage: Leveling the Playing Field for Minority Children looks at the crucial role Medicaid and SCHIP play in covering children of color. (December 2006)

What's Happening with SCHIP Right Now

Several states are at risk of running short of federal funds for SCHIP in 2007, putting more than 600,000 children at risk of losing health insurance coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that 14 states will experience funding shortfalls next year, although our estimates show that 17 states will face shortfalls. Various estimates peg the total SCHIP shortfall at $870 to $900 million.
Before adjourning, the 109th Congress passed legislation (H.R. 6164) that addresses some of the shortfall of SCHIP funding for fiscal year 2007. The bill adds no new funding, but redistributes $271 million in unspent SCHIP funds from fiscal year 2004 (which are set to expire) and some funds from fiscal year 2005 to states that will have shortfalls.
The redistributed money is expected to plug the shortfall until May 2007.