1. Georgia's PeachCare for Kids Allows Families to Apply for Health Insurance Online
PeachCare for Kids, Georgia's health insurance program for children, launched a web application allowing families anywhere in the state to apply for coverage online. Families can access PeachCare benefits information, eligibility requirements and a real time application through the Web site. A future enhancement will allow doctors' offices and hospitals to use the web site to check patient eligibility.
Not only does the online application reach PeachCare agencies quickly, but it eliminates mail delays. In addition, parents are prompted throughout the process if any crucial information is missing, ensuring that all applications are complete upon submission. The Web site also helps parents choose a primary care physician for their child by generating a list of participating doctors in their area. Since the preliminary launch on May 1, most parents have applied from their home computer, but applications have also come from libraries, hospitals, and doctors' offices. The application is available at http://www.peachcare.org.
2. Texas Establishes 12-Month Continuous Eligibility
The Texas House of Representatives passed legislation by a 138-0 vote that includes the establishment of six-months continuous eligibility for all children ages 0-6, to be implemented no later than February 2002, and 12-months continuous eligibility to be phased in for all children ages 0-19, beginning no earlier than September 2002 and no later than May 2003.
3. AAP survey of Pediatrician Participation in Medicaid and CHIP
For those interested in provider issues and CHIP, the American Academy of Pediatrics posted their survey study "Pediatrician Participation in Medicaid and SCHIP" on their web site at http://www.aap.org/statelegislation/med-schip/ped_part.htm
As opposed to the preliminary data that suggested pediatricians were participating in CHIP at higher rates than Medicaid, the final survey results show comparable participation rates nationally: 89.2% for Medicaid and 88.6% for CHIP. The study also has state-by-state data that may be useful in evaluating specific programs.
4. HCFA Teleconference Replay
A toll-free replay of the conference call "Strategies to Improve Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment and Retention" is available until 11:00 pm HST on 12 June by calling 1-888-566-0475.
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