families usa health action 2008 covering kids in tenuous times how georgia coped with federal...
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Families USA Health Action 2008 Covering Kids in Tenuous Times How Georgia Coped with Federal Funding Shortfalls in 2007 Tim Sweeney, Georgia Budget and](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022070305/5514ca4f550346b0338b4d71/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Families USA Health Action 2008
Covering Kids in Tenuous Times
How Georgia Coped with Federal Funding Shortfalls in 2007
Tim Sweeney, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
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“Tenuous Times” in Many Ways
• SCHIP federal funding shortfall
• Limited state resources
• Political climate in Georgia hostile to public healthcare programs
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PeachCare Background
• Separate program• Covers kids up to 235% FPL• Monthly premiums, no co-pays
– $0 for kids under 6
– $10 to $35 per child, family max $20 to $70
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Georgia’s Federal Shortfall
• PeachCare is the 4th largest SCHIP program (NY, CA, TX)– Beginning FY 07 enrollment >250,000
• FFY 07 allotment: $165.9 M• FFY 07 federal funds spent: $340 M
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Used with the permission of the GA Department of Community Health
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As Shortfall Loomed, PeachCare Dominated Session
• State pressured Fed. Govt. for funds
• Advocates pressured Governor to use state funds
• Legislature took break hoping for federal solution, introduced cuts
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GA Speaker’s Proposal
• Reduce eligibility to 200% FPL– Allow agency to adjust between 185%-225%
• Benchmark coverage against state employee plan
• Carve out dental and vision benefits and charge additional premiums
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Senate Substitute Plan
• Eligibility changes:– Under 125% FPL moved to Medicaid– Lower PeachCare eligibility to 200% FPL– New program for 200%-250% FPL (member premiums
of 5% of family income, no federal or state funds)
• Increase monthly premiums to 1.5% family income, add $25 ER co-pay (non-emer.)
• Retain basic dental, premium for comp. coverage
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So – What happened?
• PeachCare enrollment frozen in March– Re-opened in July with cap of 295,000
• State funds used to sustain program
• No Legislative Action… for now.
• Citizenship and income verification
• Significant enrollment declines since April 2007
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PeachCare Enrollment Declines
Dec-07, 254,820
Jun-07, 276,551
Apr-07, 290,757
Oct-06, 277,432
200,000
220,000
240,000
260,000
280,000
300,000
Jan-
06
Apr-06
Jul-0
6
Oct
-06
Jan-
07
Apr-07
Jul-0
7
Oct
-07
Enrollment Freeze March 11, 2007
Enrollment Reopened July 2007
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Our Good News
• August directive does not affect Georgia
• State estimates $325 M in fed funds available in FY 2008– Would allow additional 40,000 kids to enroll
(to reach current 295,000 child cap)
• PeachCare to resume outreach activities
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Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
Tim Sweeney, Senior Health Care Analyst
100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 950Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404- 420 -1324 www.gbpi.org