Some States Offer CHIP for Kids of Low-Income Workers

The children of low-income state employees in at least five states can enroll in the Children's Health Insurance Program under a policy change in the federal health reform law. CMS has approved the policy change for Alabama, Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania and Texas, while Georgia is awaiting federal approval. The federal government previously blocked the option because of concerns that it would spur some states to shift their employees' health benefits to the government. Under the policy change, states seeking federal approval to open CHIP enrollment to their employees must prove that they have not reduced their share of employees' health insurance costs and that the cost of private insurance poses financial difficulties for the families.

• "Low-Income State Workers Begin To Gain Access to Children's Health Insurance Program" (Barr, Kaiser Health News/Washington Post, 11/4).