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Coordinating Medicaid and SCHIP

Summary The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was launched in 1997 to provide coverage for low-income children and families who were ineligible for Medicaid. It allowed states to expand coverage through their existing Medicaid program, to establish a separate state program, or to adopt a combination approach. The option to establish a separate program has been important to many states, but it also can make it more difficult for families to secure and retain coverage for their children when they must navigate two child health programs–Medicaid and a separate SCHIP program. Fortunately, states have many strategies at their disposal for coordinating coverage between Medicaid and separate SCHIP programs that can reduce the risk of children slipping through the cracks. Go To Next Section: Background

Table of Contents Summary Background Legislative Authority Strategies State Experiences Resources Download Brief (PDF)