DHCFP searches for ways to extend children's health services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow Nevada's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to use its reserve funds and continue program operations through at least mid-February 2018. Federal funding has not been renewed by Congress yet for the state CHIP program, which served an average of 25,699 Nevada children monthly in State Fiscal Year 2017.
The Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) administers the Nevada Medicaid and CHIP programs (the latter known as Nevada Check Up). Congress had authorized funding of CHIP programs only through September 30, 2017. CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
"This program is so critical to the children that are covered and their families," said Cody Phinney, the DHCFP deputy administrator for compliance. "We are doing everything we can to preserve that coverage."
Phinney said the Division regularly has contingency plans in place for such wide-ranging health care programs. The DHCFP and its statewide children's health services partners received a boost from the 2017 Legislature, which passed Senate Bill 325, adding additional populations eligible to receive Medicaid and Nevada Check Up services. That bill eliminates a five-year residency requirement for children who are non-citizens to receive this aid.
Eligible children from birth through 18 years old can be enrolled in Medicaid and Nevada Check Up programs, including preventive health care exams and screenings. Some recipients are receiving treatment for serious medical conditions and ending the program may jeopardize their health care.