Kentucky moves to simplify CHIP authorization

In a move some advocates hope will soon be replicated in Ohio, Kentucky has simplified enrollment and renewal for its Kentucky’s Children’s Health Insurance Program in an attempt to halve the estimated 67,000 children in the state who are eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid or KCHIP (Source: “Kids' health plan simpler,” Cincinnati Enquirer, March 16, 2009).

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati is assisting the effort by bolstering it outreach in the three counties in northern Kentucky that it serves.
 
"The way the governor has kind of simplified the application process, making it easier, certainly should be an incentive for people to do it," said Leshia Lyman, director of United Way's Northern Kentucky office.

According to data from the newly released 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey, there are an estimated 77,000 uninsured children in Ohio who at least meet the income eligibility requirements (family earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level).