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Save Children’s Coverage Act
12/15/2023, 3:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1316
One of the key provisions of the Save Children's Coverage Act is the extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program provides low-cost health insurance to children from low-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid. By extending CHIP, the bill aims to ensure that all children have access to the healthcare they need to thrive.
Additionally, the Save Children's Coverage Act includes measures to improve the affordability of health insurance for families. This includes provisions to expand subsidies for families purchasing insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, as well as measures to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families with children. Overall, the Save Children's Coverage Act is focused on ensuring that all children in the United States have access to the healthcare they need to grow and thrive. By extending CHIP and improving the affordability of health insurance for families, this bill aims to make sure that no child is left without the care they need.
Congressional Summary of HR 1316
Save Children's Coverage Act
This bill allows states to provide for extended coverage under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) of children after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. It also allows for extended Medicaid coverage of certain low-income, formerly homeless, or formerly incarcerated adults.
Specifically, after the emergency period ends, states may provide for continued Medicaid or CHIP coverage of children under the age of six until the child turns six or is no longer a resident of the state, whichever is earlier. For children ages 6 to 18, the state may provide for continued coverage for two years after the child is deemed eligible, until the child turns 19, or until the child is no longer a resident of the state, whichever is earlier.
States may also provide for continued Medicaid coverage of adults whose income does not exceed 28% of the federal poverty line or who were homeless or incarcerated in a prison or psychiatric hospital within the two years prior to applying for Medicaid; coverage may be provided for 12 months after the individual is deemed eligible or until the individual is no longer a resident, whichever is earlier.
The bill also requires states to annually review the demographics of Medicaid enrollees, including contact information, as a condition of receiving a waiver from Medicaid requirements (e.g., Section 1115 demonstration waivers) after the emergency period ends.
