for eMaxHealthTexas SCHIP
Texas' Health and Human Services Commissionofficials on Thursday announced that the state has sufficient moneyfrom existing federal allotments to continue covering SCHIPbeneficiaries for at least one year, regardless of the fate of federal legislation that would reauthorize and expand the program, the Houston Chroniclereports. HHSC spokesperson Stephanie Goodman said the state also hassufficient funds to cover an expected enrollment increase of 135,000children. The increase was approved by the state Legislature as part ofa measure that reversed cuts made in 2003, when the state faced abudget crisis.
According to Center for Public Policy PrioritiesAssociate Director Anne Dunkelberg, Texas will need additional federalfunds in coming years if the state wants to cover the 300,000 childreneligible but not enrolled in the program, as well as pregnant women.Texas' version of SCHIP covers children in families with incomes at orbelow 200% of the federal poverty level (Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 10/12).
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