Recent Developments Reflect Impact of CHIP Reauthorization

The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA, P.L. 111-3) extends and expands the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly SCHIP). CHIPRA more than doubles the amount of new funding available to states, provides states with new options for coverage, and implements other changes designed to increase enrollment. Since reauthorization in February 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released fiscal year (FY) 2009 allotments, announced a funding opportunity to expand outreach, and provided guidance on the new law. These recent developments reflect the impact of reauthorization on states and their CHIP programs.