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States can expand enrollment using ‘presumptive eligibility’

Monday, October 03, 2011

Health care advocacy organization Families USA has released a brief document outlining some important changes that will occur as the new health care law is implemented across the United States. The organization says that a streamlined and simplified enrollment process for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Basic Health, and premium credits is a major component of the Affordable Care Act.

Though automated eligibility and enrollment systems are a part of this process, another tool available to states is "presumptive eligibility," which allows states to provide immediate temporary Medicaid or CHIP coverage to pregnant women or children who appear to be income eligible for the program. The health care law, the Affordable Care Act, gives states the ability to significantly expand their use of presumptive eligibility.

Download a copy of the brief, entitled "Presumptive Eligibility: A Step toward Streamlined Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP"