1. New Med-QUEST Application Note: You can download and print the new form at http://www.coveringkids.com/library/. Thanks Application Simplification Workgroup's patience and diligence, a new application was published this month. It shows the incredible work that can be accomplished through a public-private partnership focused on a common goal. The workgroup's goal was to create a simple, easy to complete application form that complied with federal and state laws so more completed applications reach Med-QUEST for faster processing. Some highlights are: * Eliminated forms 1247 and 1247A by writing information in "Rights and Responsibilities" * Only one signature required (the applicant) * Fifth grade reading level and easy to understand questions * Larger spaces * Checkboxes wherever possible * "Rights and Responsibilities" that applicant can understand, tear off, and keep * Eliminated EPSDT checkbox (this is a benefit not a choice) * Eliminated motor vehicle insurance details (only required after the applicant is enrolled and has a motor vehicle accident) * Comprehensive income and asset checklists for self-declaration One major problem that will be addressed by our Process Simplification Task Force is that ten questions are unnecessary if the customer is only applying for children and/or a pregnant woman. The workgroup will meet in January to tweak the current versions. Please send your comments and suggestions to Barbara at coverkids@aol.comcoverkids@aol.com. 2. Express Lane Eligibility Web Site The Children's Partnership (TCP) announced the release of an extensive National Express Lane Eligibility web site. It describes processes to easily identify and enroll eligible uninsured children into public heath insurance programs. It works to increase a child's enrollment in health insurance by connecting Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), with other public programs with similar eligibility guidelines, such as school lunch, food stamps, and WIC. This resource incorporates examples of new research and Express Lane Eligibility efforts in communities across the nation, along with early and ongoing work in California. It is designed to provide policymakers, advocates, and community leaders with the tools they need to provide health insurance to more than 4 million uninsured children who are enrolled in other needs-based public programs. For more information, please contact Holly Kenny, TCP Healthy Policy Specialist, at 858-566-7257 or hkenny@childrenspartnership.org. 3. Health Insurance Coverage: 2001 by Robert J. Mills The U. S. Census Bureau (September 2002), reveals that, after two years of declining uninsurance rates, the share of the population without health insurance rose in 2001. An estimated 14.6 percent of the population, or 41.2 million people, were uninsured during the entire year 2001, up from 14.2 percent in 2000. Estimates in this report are based on the 2002 Current Population Survey (CPS) Annual Demographic Supplement. According to the report, the proportion of uninsured children did not change, remaining at 8.5 million in 2001, or 11.7 percent of all children. To access a news release on these data, or download the full census report in PDF format, go to Health Insurance Coverage: 2001.