FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 2003

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) operates the Apple Health for Kids program, which provides medical coverage for children under age 19 in families with incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Apple Health for Kids includes three programs for financing this coverage. The joint state-federal Medicaid program provides coverage for children with family incomes at or below 133 percent of the FPL. The joint state-federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides coverage for children with family incomes above 133 percent and at or below 300 percent of the FPL. The state-funded Children's Health Program (CHP) provides coverage for children with family incomes at or below 300 percent of the FPL who are not eligible for Medicaid or CHIP due to their citizenship status.

Children with family incomes greater than 200 percent of the FPL are required to pay premiums for health care coverage. The premiums are based on family income and may not exceed the premium limitations in the federal Social Security Act.

Summary:

Children in families with incomes greater than 200 percent of the FPL who are not eligible for the federally-funded CHIP are required to pay premiums at a level set every two years that is no greater than the average state-only per capita cost of coverage in the state-funded CHP.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

First Special Session

House	96	0
Senate	46	0